On July 15, the City of Longmont announced that the first instance of West Nile Virus of the season was detected in a pool of tested mosquitoes. The city said that certain areas of the city will be sprayed to control the mosquito population and the spread of the virus starting at sunset on July 17.
The city said that West Nile Virus has also been detected this season elsewhere in Boulder County, Weld County, and Larimer County.
“The City of Longmont contracts with Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) to spray local neighborhoods in Longmont to control the spread of West Nile Virus,” the city said in a press release. “Spraying is triggered – per predetermined spray area– when traps in that area exceed 150 mosquitoes per trap AND when West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes are discovered in Larimer, Boulder or Weld Counties.”
The standard spray areas that will be sprayed beginning at sunset starting on July 17 and continuing through the evening or early morning are Jim Hamm Nature Area (LM-03); Garden Acres Park (LM-10); The Shores (LM-17); Sandstone Ranch (LM-22); Union Reservoir (LM-23); St. Vrain Greenway (LM-28); Creekside (LM-31); Renaissance (LM-34); Stoney Ridge/Lanyon Park (LM-41); Rough & Ready South (LM-43); and Great Western Cattail Court (LM-44).
The city said that boundaries of spray areas can be seen on a map provided by the city and VDCI on the City of Longmont’s Mosquito Control webpage. When the triggering events occur, the city said that notice is provided on this webpage at least 48 hours’ in advance of any spraying.
Longmont officials and Boulder County Public Health have urged Longmont residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from West Nile Virus. Citizens should abide by “The Four Ds”:
- Use DEET-enhanced insect repellent or alternative.
- DRESS in light colors and loose-fitting long sleeves and pants.
- Avoid the outdoors from DUSK until DAWN.
- DRAIN standing water outside your home.
To learn more about West Nile Virus, Longmont’s integrated pest management program, and how to protect yourself from West Nile Virus, visit the city’s Mosquito Control webpage or call 303-651-8416.
