Aerial Mosquito Control Near Laramie Planned for Friday

In order to keep mosquitoes that can transmit West Nile virus from migrating into Laramie, the city's Mosquito Control crews plan to apply an insecticide in rural areas adjacent to Laramie later this week.

Aerial application of Dibrom is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Friday and will not be made within city limits. The application will target nuisance and vector mosquitoes including Culex tarsalis that can transmit West Nile virus.

The city says while vector mosquito numbers are low in Laramie proper, numbers are growing in rural areas and migration of vector mosquitoes into Laramie is likely if the mosquitoes are left uncontrolled.

The application will be made in three areas:

• Southwest of town along Highway 230 and the Big Laramie River drainage from the city limits to an area about nine miles to the southwest;
• West of Laramie between the Big Laramie River to the south, interstate 80 to the north and Laramie Regional Airport to the west;
• North of Laramie between Welsh Lane and 45th Street including the area of the city wastewater treatment plant and the city landfill.

The insecticide will be applied at the "ultra-low volume rate" of half an ounce per acre, according to the City of Laramie. Evening hours represent the optimal window for aerial application as mosquito activity peaks during that time. Additionally, evening application reduces the likelihood of contact with residents' work and recreation.

Should inclement weather prevent the application Friday night, it would be rescheduled for the same time Saturday or Sunday.

No cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Albany County. The City of Laramie rates the risk of infection at Level 1 for low risk.

Schedules of chemical applications for insect or weed control are updated at about 4 p.m. daily on the Mosquito Control and Integrated Pest Management Hotline at 721-5056. Spraying information is also available on the City of Laramie website.