Bannock County offers weed spray for Dyer’s Woad invasive species

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Bannock County has seen an explosion of the noxious weed Dyer's woad and is offering to help residents fight it on their property with free weed spray.

What is Dyer's woad?

Simply drive along local highways in Bannock County or look across the rolling hills and you'll likely see some of the green-and-yellow plants known as Dyer's woad. Experts say it came to Idaho from Utah and has since spread rapidly.

"It produces a kind of poison to kill off any other native vegetation that's growing with it," said Kiel Burmester, Bannock County Public Works Director. "It can take over the area in woodlands, crops, pastures and things like that. It spreads very rapidly."

He said the seeds are often transported by vehicles and spread across state lines. Dyer's woad can be found along interstates and highways, as well as on hillsides and private property.

"The first year it won't produce seeds," Burmester said. "The second year, it's taking all of its time to build its root system. And then, the second year it's also working on its seeds. So the earlier you can get it, the better."

Burmester said the best time to spray Dyer's woad is before it begins producing seeds. Treating the plant early can help prevent future growth and reduce its spread.

"Noxious weeds do not understand your property lines," Burmester added. "It's all over, and it's all of our problem here. We need to work together and try to come up with everything we can. This is going to be multi-year and it's a very hard process to eradicate a weed like this and we need everybody's help."

Free weed spray from the county

Burmester said Public Works has partnered with the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, county railroad officials and the State of Idaho to tackle the issue.

He said crews are spraying county-owned property and more than 400 miles of county highways in partnership with the BLM. The county has also applied for grant funding to help private property owners control the weed.

Through the Idaho Department of Agriculture, Bannock County has secured a cost-share program to help residents combat the infestation.

"This year, we received $40,000," Burmester said. "That can go towards helping private landowners in the Bannock County area, so if you reach out to us you can get some free spray."

The department is encouraging residents to use the free spray if they find Dyer's woad on their property. Burmester said even if it is too late to stop some of this year's growth, treatment can help reduce the weed's spread next season.

To learn more about other noxious weeds, visit the Bannock County Noxious Weeds Department website at www.bannockcounty.gov/weeds/.

Residents can receive free weed spray from the county by calling 208-236-7407.