Spraying for mosquitoes will take place in Longmont Thursday night after mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus were found in Fort Collins.
Five of 12 predetermined hot zones will be sprayed, according to a city news release. They are Sandstone Ranch, Union Reservoir, Great Western/Mill Village, Left Hand Creek at Creekside and Longmont Meadow View. Fogging is triggered when West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes are discovered in Larimer, Boulder or Weld counties and when Longmont traps exceed 150 mosquitoes, according to the release.
Spraying, which is conducted by Vector Disease Control International, typically occurs on Thursday nights. Notice of spraying will be posted Tuesdays at LongmontColorado.gov/westnile, according to the city. Residents also can sign up to be alerted when spraying will take place by using the city’s eNotification subscription page.
The city’s first line of defense in its integrated pest management program is attacking mosquitoes in their larval stage before they become airborne, according to the release. Eliminating mosquitoes before they hatch minimizes the need for fogging, but localized spraying is sometimes necessary when the West Nile mosquito population increases because of habitat and weather conditions, according to the city.
VDCI uses ultra-low volume fogging equipment and sprays after dusk when the majority of mosquito species are most active, according to the release. Use of the least-toxic products possible and calibrated application timing aim to minimize non-target impacts of spraying, the city stated.
Residents can request notifications and shutoffs when spraying is planned near their properties by calling VDCI at 970-278-9977 or visiting vdci.net/colorado. Three options are available: To receive a call before spraying takes place; to have the spray machine shut off when it passes their property, or to receive notification and have the machine shut off as it passes.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans from the bite of infected female mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Most infections are mild, but more serious infections can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and/or meningitis (inflammation of the brain's lining).
There is no treatment, cure or vaccination for the virus.
Longmont and Boulder County Public Health officials urge residents to take precautions to protect themselves by observing the 4Ds:
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Use DEET-enhanced insect repellent or an alternative.
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Dress in long sleeves and pants.
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Avoid the outdoors from dusk until dawn.
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Drain standing water outside your home.
For more information about West Nile virus and mosquito activity in Boulder County, visit the Boulder County West Nile Virus webpage or call the Colorado Health Information Line at 877-462-2911. To report nuisance mosquitoes, click on “Mosquito Complaints” in the “What you Can Do” section on the website.
Learn more about the city’s integrated pest management program and protecting yourself from West Nile Virus at LongmontColorado.gov/westnile or by calling 303-651-8416.
