LARAMIE -- The wet spring weather in southeast Wyoming has prompted the City of Laramie to continue its mosquito abatement program, starting today.

“Surveillance data indicate that fogging operations to control nuisance mosquitoes should continue,” said Tyler Shevling, Mosquito Control Crew Supervisor.

“Applications will begin today, June 6, in areas adjacent to city limits. Residential fogging will begin Sunday evening, June 9, weather permitting.”

Applications will initially take place between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. As temperatures rise, applications will occur between the hours of 9 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Shevling said mosquito control fogging crews will be applying Zenivex E4 in residential areas, parks, recreation areas, and on the Laramie River Greenbelt.

Zenivex E4 contains a solution of 4 percent of the active ingredient Etofenprox. Zenivex E4 is applied at the ultra-low-volume of 1.3 ounces per acre. Etofenprox is a reduced risk non-ester permethrin formulation which requires no synergist.

The fogger is powered by a small gasoline engine, which constantly moves a volume of compressed air through the fogger head. The flow of chemical is controlled by the operator from within the cab. During the application of the chemical, the engine will run at high RPM and a fog cloud will be plainly visible.

Fogging trucks will operate with a continuous amber strobe light on the cab as a caution device for motorists and pedestrians. Wind speeds must be above 1 mph and below 10 mph, with temperatures above 50F and below 90F for applications to occur. Applications will not begin and will be suspended when conditions are not in the required range. Suspended applications may be resumed if conditions improve during the same shift or on subsequent nights when conditions meet the requirements.

Presently no cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Albany County, and the City of Laramie currently rates the risk of infection at level 1 (Low Risk). This risk assessment is based on low numbers of vector mosquitoes and no reported WNv activity in birds or mosquitoes.

Mosquito control application schedules will be available daily on the Mosquito Control and Integrated Pest Management Hotline at 307-721-5056 or at cityoflaramie.org. The Hotline is updated daily at 4 p.m. and will also list any chemical application made by the City of Laramie Parks Division crews.

For further information contact Tyler Shevling, Mosquito Control Crew Supervisor at 721-5258 or Scott Hunter, Parks Manager at 721-5257.

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