News

Weed of the Month: Bittersweet Nightshade

For this Weed of the Month, we’re bringing bittersweet nightshade into the light. Here are some tips for identifying and managing infestations to protect your family, pets, and livestock from this toxic invader.

Mosquito Control Awareness Week: Valent Biosciences Field Cage Trial Results in Mosquito Insecticide Resistance

West Nile Virus is the major mosquito-borne disease in the state of Wyoming. One element of our District's Integrated Mosquito Management Plan (IMM) is the use of adulticides for the control of adult mosquitoes. Currently, there are limited modes of action available for their use as adulticides. This has resulted in an alarming degree of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes, particularly in vector species such as Culex tarsalis. Explore how abundance of West Nile Virus has exploded in recent years, the results of our field cage trials with Valent Biosciences and evidence of the resistant populations in Teton County, how resistance develops in mosquitoes, the types of resistance, and how our team prevents, detects, and manages resistance once found.

Weed of the Month: Sulfur Cinquefoil

For this Weed of the Month, we’re calling out the black sheep of the cinquefoil family: the sulfur cinquefoil. Though there are desirable native cinquefoil species, the sulfur cinquefoil is a tenacious invader—it can push out native plants and even other invasive species! Luckily, we’ll help you come out on top.

CABI & BBCA Facilities Tour

Our research and work at Teton County Weed and Pest is fostering international connections! Following a recent NAISMA Conference, Entomologist, Mikenna Smith, was invited to expand our relationships with international scientists and tour research facilities at CABI Switzerland & BBCA (Biotechnology and Biological Control Agency) in Italy. Both CABI and BBCA are recognized leaders in invasive species management, respectively, with extensive credentials in biological control research and implementation. This trip, funded by the WWPC Bio Control Steering Committee & Teton County Weed & Pest District enabled our team to expand and foster meaningful relationships that benefit our work.

Native Plant: Sagebrush

Sagebrush might be our favorite native shrub! An iconic symbol of the American West, sagebrush has historically been used in spiritual ceremonies and as medicine. Today, it plays a vital role in preserving landscapes and wildlife habitat during times of drought.

Native Plant: Arrowleaf Balsamroot

We’re getting straight to the point this month with a community favorite native species, the arrowleaf balsamroot! As a native plant, it can be found widespread throughout Canada and the western US. The beautiful flower head isn’t just for show—it’s a useful plant from root to pedal.

Weed of the Month: Scentless Chamomile

For this Weed of the Month, we’re sniffing out an invasive pest that’s all looks, no substance: scentless chamomile. Despite its looks, this weed is no daisy: it can harm livestock and overtake areas if left unchallenged.

Weed of the Month: Common Mullein

We’re highlighting an uncommon annoyance for this Weed of the Month: the common mullein. This invasive plant grows big and tall, spreading countless long-lived seeds that can outcompete native plants. Fighting an infestation can be tough, but we know how to give you an edge.

Weed of the Month: Bull/Musk Thistle

This Weed of the Month is a two-for-one deal: we’re covering bull thistle and musk thistle. They have a lot in common, from bright purple flowers to pesky spikes, with a few key differences we’ll highlight. Their most important similarities? They won’t stand a chance against you after you’re done reading.