JACKSON, Wyo. — Teton County Weed and Pest (TCWP) District announced on Wednesday, April 23, that hard ticks in the Ixodidae family and bulbous bluegrass (Poa bulbosa L.) have been added to the Teton County Declared Species Noxious Weeds and Pests list.
The TCWP Board of Directors passed resolutions in 2023 to request the addition of these two new species, and received final approval from the Wyoming Board of Agriculture on April 8.
Over the past few years, hard ticks and bulbous bluegrass have expanded range in Wyoming.
Bulbous bluegrass is found in disturbed sites, along roads and trails where it forms dense stands that encroach on adjacent native plant systems, reducing forage quality for wildlife and livestock.
According to TCWP, bulbous bluegrass is a short-lived perennial grass native to Eurasia, and it was first introduced to North America in the early 1900s. The species grows during the cool season, and spreads rapidly early in the season before native species have a chance to compete for resources.
Integrated weed management, including multiple management techniques, can control bulbous bluegrass.
Wyoming is home to multiple tick species in the Ixodidae, or hard tick, family.
“Changes in land use patterns, trade and travel and a changing climate are leading to expanded ranges of tick species, both native and invasive to the United States, throughout the country, and some of these species have been documented in Wyoming or neighboring states,” TCWP said in the announcement.
According to TCWP, ticks are responsible for approximately 90% of all vector-borne diseases diagnosed each year in the United States. Tick-borne diseases have more than doubled between 2004 and 2019.
Beginning this year, TCWP along with partner organizations and citizen scientists will conduct field surveillance of ticks throughout Wyoming. Ticks will be tested in the TCWP laboratory for pathogens that can impact public health, including pathogens that cause Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Colorado Tick Fever. Members of the public can join the citizen science field surveillance effort by completing this interest form.
To submit a tick for testing (this is for ecological research only, TCWP is not a diagnostic lab and cannot test any ticks that have bitten people) firmly seal between clear tape and an index card or paper, or fold tape back on itself. Within a few days of collection, drop it off at the TCWP office along with a notecard containing when and where, to the best of your ability, the tick was found.
Ways to help prevent tick bites and tick-borne diseases:
- Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD) or 2-undecanone.
- Wear loose-fitting, long clothing including long sleeves and long pants. Tuck pants into socks for extra protection.
- Know where to expect ticks. Ticks live in grassy, brushy or wooded areas. Walk in the center of trails to prevent contact with ticks.
- Take a shower. Showering within two hours of coming indoors can reduce the risk of ticks attaching and transmitting pathogens.
- Tumble dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing.
- Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Boots, clothing and camping gear can be treated with permethrin.
- Prevent ticks on dogs. Talk to the vet about tick prevention products and check pets daily. Do not apply tick prevention products to a cat without first talking to a vet.
- Conduct a full body tick check.
A complete list of State Designated and County Declared Noxious Weeds and Pests can be seen here. The TCWP office is located at 7575 S Hwy 89 Jackson, Wy. 83001.
