I have a weed on my property. How do I get rid of it?
Staff are available to identify the weed and offer suggestions on how to control it. For more information on common noxious weeds, refer to Weed Identification and Control section.
I have weeds but I do not want to use herbicides for control. Are there other options?
Yes. Often weeds are an indicator of another problem, such as overgrazing, disturbances to the soil surface or soil conditions. In many cases, changes in management can be used to control weeds.
If I have weeds on my property, what are my responsibilities?
The Alberta Weed Control Act places the responsibility for weed control on the property owner, regardless of where they originated from.
My neighbour has weeds and I am worried they will spread to my property. If I contact you will you use my name?
We will respond to every weed complaint we receive, ensuring that the complaint source is kept anonymous, and we will work with your neighbour to remedy the situation.
What can be done about weeds when the landowner is unwilling to cooperate?
The Weed Control Act provides the municipality with the authority to force landowners to comply with the Act. Weed Inspectors may issue weed notices with specific instructions for weed control. Should these be ignored, the municipality has the right to carry out control and invoice the landowner for these costs. Should these costs remain unpaid, they can be added to taxes.
What does the County do to control weeds on their property?
Lacombe County carries out a comprehensive Vegetation Management Program to control both weedy and brush species on County-owned roads and properties. This program utilizes both herbicides and mechanical controls to prevent the spread of weeds and brush on our rights of way.
Should I be concerned about blue-green algae?
Yes, you should be cautious and aware particularly during an algae bloom. Although many forms of blue-green algae can be harmless some forms can be harmful to your health. The most common toxin produced by blue-green algae is microsytins.
See the complete information sheet below.
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Blue green algae information sheet
What if I don't want herbicides used near my property?
Contact us and let's talk. A No Spray Agreement is available for landowners that do not want herbicides used adjacent to their property if the landowner is willing to take responsibility for weed and brush control in these ditches. The County's herbicide application equipment is set up with Global Positioning Systems that can warn our operators of any "no spray" areas while they are operating.
Why does the County refrain from spraying into the fence lines?
We prefer not to spray into fence lines to avoid any chemical trespass issues. However, if your fence lines adjacent to our roads do contain weeds contact us and we can arrange to spray from the inside out.
Why does the County remove trees from our ditches?
Ditches are part of the road system. Removing trees helps to improve sightlines and assist with the maintenance of the road surface. Keeping trees away from the road surface allows better melting in the winter as well as it prevents snow drifting problems. We also have a brushing program to remove trees on private land at our road intersections. The County may contact you to develop an arrangement if trees at an intersection are posing a danger to public safety.
Does the County provide trees to landowners to plant shelterbelts?
Not anymore - the previous PFRA Shelterbelt Program has been discontinued.
I have noticed a lot of Coyotes in the area. Can the County control them?
As coyotes are considered wildlife, under Agricultural Pests Act we can only provide control if they are harassing or killing livestock. Pets do not qualify as livestock and do not qualify under this program. However, landowners have the right to destroy coyotes on their own property. Coyotes survive very well amongst people and will adapt to any situation that is advantageous to them. Do not make your property attractive to them by leaving out pet food or carrion as this will only serve to attract them. In many situations, coyotes are only fulfilling their role in nature which is to clean up carrion (dead animals).
I have Beavers on my property and they are causing flooding. Can the County help?
Under the County's Beaver Control Policy, we can remove beavers and their works when their activity impacts County infrastructure (roads). If they are causing problems on your land, contact us and we can put you in touch with qualified personnel that can help.
I have some insect damage on the trees in my yard. Can the County help?
While we are not experts, we do have a lot of experience in identifying and dealing with insects. Contact the Agriculture department for more information.
I have been contacted about cash renting my land. What can I charge?
There are agencies better suited to help with these types of questions. Contact the Alberta AgInfo Center at 1-866-882-7677.
My neighbour is spreading manure and it is bothering me. Who do I contact?
The Natural Resources Conservation Board is the Provincial authority concerning livestock operations. Contact them with questions and complaints at 1-866-383-6722.
Does the County sell gopher poison?
2% Liquid Strychnine Concentrate is currently being deregistered by the Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). As such the manufacturer will be able to distribute the product up to March 4, 2021, and municipalities/retailers will be allowed to sell this product up to March 4, 2022 (please note, Lacombe County has sold out of strychnine for 2021 and is ending its strychnine retail program permanently). Landowners have until March 4, 2023, to use up their strychnine supply.
Some other options to aid farmers in the control of gophers are:
- Raptor platforms, nesting boxes, and perches to encourage natural predation
- Reduce preferred habitat by maintaining healthy pastures and use of rotational grazing
- Rozol, for the control of Ground Squirrels and Pocket Gophers in rangelands, crop, and non-crop areas.
- Rocon, a poison-free rodenticide registered by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency for the control of rodents.
Contact our Agricultural staff for more information by calling 403-782-8959. Understanding the life cycles of these animals will assist in managing them.
What do I do if I have seen a rat?
Although uncommon, it is possible to have rats in Alberta. Many sightings turn out to be juvenile muskrats or pocket gophers. Contact the Agriculture department and we will investigate.
What can I do to prevent mosquitos on my property?
As the culex tarsalis mosquito carries the West Nile Virus and breeds in stagnant warm water, you can reduce the risk by removing any potential breeding areas, including standing water. Where it is not practical to remove the water, biological larvicide's can be used to control hatched mosquitos. Contact the Agriculture department for more information on these products.
Can I contact you regarding general agricultural related questions?
Yes. We may not have the answer directly, but we will endeavor to find the information needed to assist our ratepayers with all these types of questions.