Mosquito Information
- Mosquito Info
- Spray Areas
- Mosquito Trap Sites
Mosquito Monitoring and Control in Fremont County
By Nancy Webber
Fremont County we have been enjoying a beautiful warm spring, but with this pleasant weather will come the early emergence of mosquitoes. In past years West Nile Virus (WNV), a disease transmitted by mosquitoes, has been a problem in Fremont County. With increase control efforts around the County and cool wet spring weather in the past few years we have see a reduction in WNV. But with warm spring weather we can expect an increase in mosquito populations and WNV this coming summer.
In Fremont County all the cities and towns as well as the Northern Arapahoe and Eastern Shoshone Tribes have mosquito control programs, but despite these efforts there will still be mosquitoes out causing problems. Again this summer Fremont County Weed and Pest staff will be monitoring the mosquito populations and testing mosquitoes for the presentence of WNV. Due to the warmer temperatures we will start monitoring in May, earlier than in past years. Mosquitoes are trapped and tested both in and out of areas that are covered by mosquito control activities. This has helped us determine how effective the control programs are and pin point problem areas. Our monitoring program clearly shows that integrated mosquito control reduces mosquito numbers by 98% or more.
In Wyoming there is only one species of mosquito which is able to infect people and horses with West Nile virus. Fortunately this insect, Culex tarsalis, also know as the northern house mosquito, is easy to identify. In 2011 fifty samples of Culex mosquitoes were tested for WNV in Fremont County none of which were positive for the virus. Unfortunately there were 3 human cases of WNV reported in Wyoming in 2011 one of which occurred in Fremont County.
If the unseasonable warm weather continues we may see an increase of West Nile virus in Fremont County. Despite the best efforts of the mosquito control programs there will be female mosquitoes out looking for a blood meal. With warmer temperatures the mosquitoes are more likely to be able to transmit WNV.
The mosquito control personnel working in Fremont County will be doing their best to reduce mosquito numbers. Fremont County Weed and Pest staff will be trapping and testing mosquitoes for WNV and will alert control personnel and the public when WNV is detected. As always it is important to protect yourself from getting bit by mosquitoes. Use mosquito repellent, avoid being outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, wear light colored clothing that covers your skin and drain any standing water on or near your property at least once a week.For more information about protecting yourself please visit BadSkeeter.org
Under Construction
Under Construction
