Mosquito spraying is planned Thursday night in Longmont in six predetermined “hotspot” zones.
The spraying by contractor Vector Disease Control International will take place in the following areas:
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Jim Hamm Park
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Sandstone Ranch District Park
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Union Reservoir
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Great Western/Mill Village
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Left Hand Creek at Creekside
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Stoney Ridge/Alpine Elementary
Spraying occurs when the number of mosquitos in area traps exceeds 150 and when West Nile virus has been detected in the Longmont area, according to the city, which announced the areas to be sprayed in a news release. A map of predetermined spray areas can be viewed at LongmontColorado.gov/westnile.
Notice of spraying is 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 city. 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.
Vector Disease Control International 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, according to the city.
Residents can request notifications and shutoffs when spraying is planned near their properties by calling Vector Disease Control 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 vaccine for the virus.
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.
