The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station

Mosquito surveillance season is underway in Connecticut. Starting today, CAES is trapping and testing mosquitoes across 88 municipalities statewide to monitor the risk of West Nile virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) through the end of October.

Last year, WNV was found in 230 mosquito samples across 37 towns, and six Connecticut residents became ill. EEE was not detected in 2025, but remains a serious concern, as it carries roughly a 40% mortality rate in humans.

A few easy ways to protect yourself and your family:
- Use repellents with DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Wear long sleeves and pants around dusk and dawn
- Check your door and window screens for gaps
- Eliminate standing water around your home

For more infor, visit: portal.ct.gov/mosquito.

Mark your calendars! Plant Science Day 2026 is happening at Lockwood Farm in Hamden, CT and we want to see you there!
📅 Wednesday, August 5
⏰ 10 AM – 4 PM
📍 890 Evergreen Ave, Hamden, CT
Come check out the exciting research our scientists are conducting, walk the beautiful farm, browse our partner exhibitors, and catch some talks and demonstrations. We've also got kids activities and food trucks!

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station's work goes far beyond the laboratory. A recent New York Times Opinion essay spotlights entomologists Gale Ridge and Katherine Dugas, who have spent years developing a protocol to help people experiencing delusional infestation, an unshakable belief of being infested by insects or parasites.

Their approach is built on patience, trust, and scientific education. In 2025, Gale fielded over 1,600 such inquiries.

Full essay by Alexandra Sifferlin: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/09/opinion/diagnosis-delusional-infestation-bugs.html

We're hiring a Research Farm Supervisor at our Griswold Research Center! If you have a passion for agriculture and want to put science to work for Connecticut, we want to hear from you. Starting salary $73,032 + full benefits. Find the full posting on our Job Opportunities page - https://portal.ct.gov/caes/about-caes/job-opportunities/job-opportunities

Apply by May 1, 2026.

We were proud to welcome Office of Governor Ned Lamont, state officials, CAES staff, and labor partners to break ground on the future of our Valley Laboratory in Windsor 🌱🔬

This renovation and expansion will provide modern laboratories, greenhouse space, and sustainable upgrades to support our work protecting plant health, helping growers, and advancing environmental research across Connecticut.

We’re excited for what’s ahead - substantial completion is expected in 2027.

https://portal.ct.gov/governor/news/press-releases/2026/03-2026/governor-lamont-announces-start-of-project-renovating-the-caes-valley-laboratory

Agricultural lab expansion will help CT farmers solve new problems As the climate warms and farmers face new challenges, CT is investing nearly $40 million to update and expand one of its agricultural labs.

Every year, I visit the CT Agricultural Experiment Station to talk about ticks & diseases they carry—because every year they’re a public health menace. This year, I announced a CDS grant of $267K to support the fight year-round & statewide.

Seasonal research positions are now open at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. Gain hands-on experience in field and lab research. 🔗 Link in bio!

Beginning March 31, 2026, the CAES Valley Laboratory in Windsor will begin renovation and new construction. During this time, soil testing services will be handled at our New Haven facility. Soil samples can still be dropped off at a designated area at Valley Lab and will be transported to New Haven for testing. Visit the link below for full instructions on how to submit your samples.
https://portal.ct.gov/caes/soil-office/windsor/soil-testing-office-instructions-windsor

The Department of Plant Pathology and Ecology is hiring a postdoctoral scientist to study how root-knot nematodes hijack host plant biology. If you're passionate about plant-parasite interactions at the molecular level, apply now! 🔗 Link in bio.