Mosquito Trapping to Begin Sunday, June 14
Mosquito Trapping to Begin Sunday, June 14
Weekly mosquito trapping will begin in select Longmont neighborhoods on Sunday, June 14, based upon trapping history since 2003. This trapping activity looks for Culex mosquitoes that potentially could carry the West Nile Virus (WNV).
No fogging or spraying will take place unless and until WNV-positive mosquitoes are discovered in either Larimer, Boulder or Weld Counties and quantities in Longmont traps exceed 150 mosquitoes.
The risk of West Nile Virus is currently low, but not non-existent. Residents are encouraged to practice the 4D’s of prevention:
- Use Deet or an alternative repellent
- Dress in long sleeves and pants
- Avoid outdoor activities between Dusk until Dawn
- Drain standing water, i.e. birdbaths, outdoor planters, tires stored outside, etc.
The City contracts with Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) to implement an Integrated Pest Management Program to combat mosquitoes that might carry WNV. The program focuses on first attacking mosquitoes in their larval stage before they become airborne. Known as larvicide, this is the best method since it eliminates mosquitoes before they hatch. This method also minimizes fogging or spraying to kill the adult, airborne bugs.
Longmont’s mosquito strategy focuses on reducing the spread of disease, rather than on nuisance control. Residents who are concerned about nuisance mosquitoes in their yards are encouraged to contact a private pest control agency.
This map shows the boundaries of predetermined spray areas. When spraying or fogging begins, notice will be provided on both City of Longmont and VDCI websites on Tuesdays. Spraying typically occurs on Thursday nights — giving residents 48 hours’ notice of any spraying, pending poor weather conditions.
VDCI will maintain a database of Longmont residents that have provided notification or shutoff requests for their property if spraying is scheduled. There are three options:
- Call Notification Only – VDCI will phone you before spraying in your neighborhood.
- Address Shutoff Only – VDCI will shutoff the spray machine while driving past your property.
- Notification & Shutoff – VDCI will phone you before spraying in your neighborhood and shutoff the spray machine while driving past your property.
Contact VDCI to make a notification or shutoff request online or by calling 970-278-9977.
Sign up for eNotifications to receive weekly updates once WNV-positive mosquitoes have been identified in the three-county area. (Be sure to select the West Nile Virus category).
Generally, the mosquito season extends from mid-May until mid-October, with the end usually signaled by the first freeze in the fall.
