City of Greeley News

With high numbers of mosquitos in the Greeley area, city officials want to remind residents about the annual mosquito control program and what they can do to help protect against mosquitos.

The city contracted with Vector Disease Control International to start this year’s seasonal mosquito control work in June.

Adult mosquitoes get trapped and monitored weekly at 12 locations throughout the community. Water in city-owned parks, ponds, and open spaces are treated to eliminate mosquitoes before they hatch - the most effective way to reduce the mosquito population. Crews spray for adult mosquitoes as needed every week until fall when temperatures get close to freezing.

Most adult mosquitoes live for several weeks, but hot and dry conditions shorten their lives significantly. The mosquito species typically carrying West Nile virus make up a small percentage of the overall mosquito population, but their numbers usually increase in July and August until cooler weather arrives in September.

Mosquitoes become most active from dusk until dawn and travel up to several miles from breeding sites. Residents can reduce mosquitoes by eliminating standing water on or near their property. Keep mosquitoes outside by repairing window screens, soffits, vents, and other means of entry. Community members can also protect themselves by wearing treated clothing, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks, and shoes when outdoors. Use products with an effective repellant, such as DEET, according to their label.

To report mosquito issues or to learn more about reducing their population, call the city’s mosquito contractor at 970-278-9977. For more information about how to protect against mosquitoes, go to greeleygov.com/mosquitoes.