The Boulder County Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) will begin setting mosquito traps throughout the City of Longmont on Sunday, June 12. The trapping will continue for a total of 13 weeks, with the last trap week occurring on Labor Day Weekend.

The trapping activity looks for Culex mosquitoes that potentially could carry the West Nile Virus (WNV). No fogging or spraying will be scheduled unless and until WNV-positive mosquitoes are discovered in either Larimer, Boulder or Weld Counties AND quantities in Longmont traps exceed 150 mosquitoes.

The City of Longmont contracts with VDCI to implement an Integrated Pest Management Program to combat mosquitoes that might carry the WNV. The program focuses on first attacking mosquitoes in their larval stage before they become airborne. This method also minimizes fogging or spraying to kill the adult, airborne mosquitoes. VDCI uses state-of-the-art technology, calibrated application timing, and least-toxic products to minimize non-target impacts. All adult mosquito control is accomplished using Ultra Low Volume (ULV) fogging equipment and is performed after dusk when the majority of mosquito species are most active. If spraying is deemed necessary, notice is provided on the West Nile Virus webpage on Tuesdays that spraying will occur later that week – typically on Thursday evenings — giving residents 48 hours’ notice of any spraying.

Boulder County Public Health and Longmont officials urge residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves. Keep safe this summer, and remember the 4Ds:

1. Use DEET-enhanced insect repellent or alternative.
2. DRESS in light colors and loose fitting long sleeves and pants,
3. Avoid the outdoors from DUSK until DAWN.
4. DRAIN standing water outside your home, including bird baths, gutters, etc..

The following areas of the City have been identified as mosquito hot zones, and trapping will begin there:

• LM-03 Jim Hamm
• LM-10 Garden Acres Park
• LM-17 The Shores-Concord Way
• LM-22 Sandstone Ranch
• LM-23 Longmont Union Reservoir
• LM-27 Great Western/Mill Village
• LM-28 St Vrain Greenway at Emery St
• LM-31 Left Hand Creek at Creekside
• LM-34 Renaissance/Meadow View
• LM-41 Stoney Ridge/Alpine Elementary
• LM-42 Izaak Walton Park
• LM-43 Rough & Ready South

Please see the weekly trap reports from VDCI for more location details, including a map.

Residents Can Receive Notifications Related to West Nile Virus

VDCI maintains a database of Longmont residents who have made notification or shutoff requests for their property if spraying is scheduled. There are three options:

1. Call Notification Only: VDCI will phone you before spraying in your neighborhood
2. Address Shutoff Only: VDCI will shutoff the spray machine while driving past your property
3. Notification & Shutoff: VDCI will phone you before spraying in your neighborhood and shutoff the spray machine while driving past your property

Please contact VDCI to make a notification or shutoff request by visiting the VDCI website. Those without internet access may call 303-466-1892; however the online request form is the best way to insure that your request is processed in time for the scheduled spraying.

The City also offers an eNotification system that provides residents with up-to-date information on a variety of topics including West Nile Virus. Visit the eNotification subscription page to sign-up and choose the West Nile category to receive notification when Local Spraying Alerts are issued.

General Info on West Nile Virus

WNV is transmitted to humans from the bite of an infected female mosquito. While most infections are mild, the more serious infections can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and/or meningitis (inflammation of the brain’s lining), loss of vision, paralysis, coma, tremors, convulsions, and death.

Symptoms of WNV include fever, extreme fatigue, headache, body aches, and occasionally can also include skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes. Generally, symptoms appear 3 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should consult their health care providers. There is no treatment, cure, or human vaccination for the virus. Health care providers can only treat the symptoms to help patients feel better and possibly recover more quickly. Generally, the mosquito season extends from late April until mid-October, with the end of the season usually signaled by the first hard freeze in the fall.

For more information about West Nile virus, mosquito activity in Boulder County, or proactive steps to take, visit Boulder County’s West Nile Virus information webpage or call the Colorado Health Information Line at 1-877-462-2911. To report nuisance mosquitoes, click on “Report Mosquito Activity” in the “What You Can Do” section on the website.

Learn more about West Nile Virus, the City’s integrated pest management program and how to protect yourself from West Nile Virus at on the City of Longmont’s West Nile Virus webpage or by calling 303-651-8416.