City begins mosquito control measures

Mosquitoes are becoming a concern in Green River, resulting in the city starting its mosquito control program.

According to a press release from the city, the parks and recreation department has already placed BTI biscuits in standing water found on city property. The biscuits prevent mosquito larvae from developing into adults. Starting next week, the city plans to conduct aerial applications of Vecobec in large areas of standing water near and around the city. According to the city, the active chemical in Vecobec is naturally occurring, safe for municipal use and targets mosquito and fly larvae.

If a large number of adult mosquitoes develop in Green River, the city will spray ares with a truck-mounted, ultra-low volume fogger. Fogging will occur between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. and only if biting mosquitoes become a major issue within the city. A schedule and map for where and when fogging will occur will be available on the city’s website.

The city uses a spray that includes Biomist, which includes the chemical permethrin. According to the city, the chemical does not pose a significant threat to people or pets due to the low toxicity of the spray and the small amount needed to control mosquitoes.

However, the city still recommends people should minimize exposure to themselves and pets. If a resident sees a fogging truck next to their yards, they are encouraged to go indoors, close windows and turn off their air conditioners for a few moments while the spray dissipates. While the city does have a plan in place to mitigate mosquito populations, there are ways residents can inhibit mosquito numbers. Mosquitoes live near pools of standing water and properties with mosquito-friendly habitats such as clogged rain gutters, overwatered lawns, ponds, overgrown weeds, and bird baths. Female mosquitoes only need a small amount of water, roughly the amount in a bottle cap, to lay eggs. West Nile Virus is a concern with mosquitoes. According to the Wyoming Department of Health, they can spread the disease when they feed on infected birds, then feed on people, animals, or other birds. To limit possible exposure, people are encouraged to remember the “five Ds” of West Nile prevention. They are:

Dawn and Dusk: Mosquitoes prefer to feed at these times. Avoid spending time outdoors when mosquitoes feed.

Dress: Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts outdoors. Clothing should be light-colored and made of tightly-woven material.

Drain: Drain shallow and stagnant water to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

DEET: Use a bug repellent containing DEET. Other repellents including Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus are also effective at repelling mosquitoes.