Mosquito program
GCWP implements a mosquito program on a yearly basis with funding from the Emergency Insect Management Grant administered by the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. Our goal is to monitor and treat densely populated areas with a high-risk factor of contracting West Nile virus.
Monitoring
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The main goal of the mosquito program is to monitor the population of mosquitoes which transmit the West Nile virus (WNV). While only certain mosquito species transmit this virus, they happen to be common in Goshen County due to our climate and irrigation. Mosquitoes within the Culex genus, specifically Culex tarsalis, are the main vector for WNV. To monitor these mosquitoes, we collect specimens from areas known to have large mosquito and Culex populations. These traps are typically set on a weekly basis to determine the presence of WNV and the effectiveness of treatment. Once mosquitoes are trapped, they are sorted by genus and the Culex mosquitoes are tested for WNV. A weekly report published by the Wyoming Department of Health can be found here.
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treatment
Culex mosquito populations are highest in late summer when temperatures are hot. Since these are the specific mosquitoes we are targeting to prevent the spread of WNV, treatment timing is based on trapping results of Culex populations. Treatment includes spraying densely populated areas with an insecticide to help control the adult mosquito population. We use an ultra-low volume (ULV) machine, also called a fogger, mounted in the back of a pickup which emits a mist of product to kill adult mosquitoes. Spraying occurs on a weekly schedule throughout Goshen County.
- Monday/Wednesday - Veteran, Huntley, Hawk Springs, South Torrington
- Tuesday/Thursday - East Torrington, West Torrington, Dillman Estates, McKenna Addition
There are several products we have available to help control the mosquito population. If you have standing water (i.e. ponds, bird baths, stock tanks, etc.), we encourage the use of a larvicide treatment. These products contain a naturally-occurring bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis, which is very safe for non-targets such as humans, livestock, and other insects. Most BTI products available at GCWP are FREE! Control mosquito larva before they even get a chance to bite you!
protect yourself!
Information is the greatest defense against West Nile virus! Our educational pamphlet will help you understand the life cycle of mosquitoes, how WNV is contracted, and how you can protect yourself by following the 5 D's. Through our monitoring efforts, we have over a decade of mosquito population data. Some areas are likely to have more mosquitoes! Check out our pamphlet and map to learn more!
