Sheridan County is battling an invasive forb known as leafy spurge, which was brought to the U.S. from Eurasia through impure seed processing. This weed has taken over the county, especially in the eastern half, and reproduces by seed and new shoots from existing roots.
Bio-Control Methods
To combat the spread of leafy spurge, the Sheridan County Weed and Pest department is using bio-control methods. This involves releasing leafy spurge beetles, which were collected in Montana and shipped to the county overnight on ice. The beetles will be released in various spots, where they will eat the spurge and lay eggs that will hatch into larvae, further damaging the weed’s roots.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.