Mosquito Spraying-Ask the City

Question:

Why is the city still spraying for mosquitoes in August?

Answer:

"The City of Laramie Mosquito Control program is an Integrated Mosquito Management program. It uses many different strategies to control the nuisance mosquitoes that reduce our quality of life in the summertime as well as controlling vector mosquitoes to reduce the risk of mosquito transmitted diseases. The city has established a West Nile Prevention Plan following the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 

Although overall mosquito numbers are lower during the later summer months, the mosquitoes that are the vector of West Nile Virus are on the upswing during this time frame. Culex Tarsalis utilizes permanent or semi-permanent water sources to lay eggs, so larval treatments are targeted to those water sources. Fogging is also currently being utilized along with larval control treatments to limit the number of Culex Tarsalis mosquitoes. Fogging reduces the number of adult female mosquitoes that may have the capability to vector West Nile Virus. Culex Tarsalis is most active from dusk until midnight when it prefers to seek hosts, so it often goes unnoticed by residents during nighttime hours. 

West Nile Virus has been detected in the Laramie area and the City of Laramie Mosquito Control, along with the Wyoming Department of Health and the CDC, advise all residents to use precautions to prevent mosquito bites:

The 5 D's of West Nile Virus Prevention

• 1. Dawn and 2. Dusk- When possible, avoiding spending time outdoors at dawn and dusk. Mosquitoes prefer to feed at these times.
• 3. Dress- Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeved shirts when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made out of tightly woven material to keep mosquitoes away from the skin. 
• 4. Drain- Reduce the amount of standing water on or near your property by draining and/or removing it. Mosquitoes may lay eggs in standing water.
• 5. DEET- For additional protection from mosquitoes, use an insect repellent containing DEET or picardin. Other insect repellents, such as lemon and eucalyptus oil are also registered by the EPA but may be less effective than products containing DEET. It is important to follow the product guidelines when using insect repellent.

Ask the City Of Laramie is your chance to send the city that burning question that you have always wondered about such as: “How do I get a city parking permit?” or “Why did my water usage rates go through the roof?”

Please note that the City of Laramie will answer as many questions as possible at their discretion.