The Town of Windsor will begin its annual Mosquito Management Program this week and will start trapping mosquitoes the week of June 5.
Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) is set to begin field inspections this week. They will look for standing water or other aquatic habitats conducive to mosquito development. Those areas determined to be producing mosquito larvae or prime mosquito breeding ground will be treated with a naturally occurring soil bacterial called Bti (VectoBac) and BVA mineral oil.
“With our Mosquito Management Program, we look to prevent mosquito-borne disease, while at the same time we strive to protect the quality of natural life in Windsor,” said Terry Walker, director of Public Works.
Adult mosquito trapping and surveillance will begin the week of June 5, and will continue through the end of the mosquito season, which is typically late August. Traps will be set on Wednesday nights, and if a trap is found to contain more than 100 mosquitoes in a single night, that area will be sprayed between 8:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
A schedule of spray application areas can be found on the VDCI website.
Community members who wish to be notified of spray applications can sign up for notifications online or by phone, 970-962-2582.
To help prevent mosquito development and bites, follow these tips:
- DRAIN standing water around your house weekly where mosquitoes lay eggs, such as tires, cans, flower pots, clogged rain gutters, toys and puddles.
- DUSK AND DAWN are when mosquitoes are most active, so limit outdoor activities or take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
- DEET is an effective ingredient to look for in insect repellants. Always follow label instructions carefully. Lemon-eucalyptus oil and Picaridin are effective natural remedies recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.
- DRESS in long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk hours or in areas where mosquitoes are active.
To report new areas of standing water or for any questions, contact VDCI at 970-962-2582.
Photo: Morgue File