Mosquitoes in a trap collected Tuesday and tested Wednesday morning have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District Director Ed Burnett. The trap was located south of Lake Lowell on the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge Access 4, Lakeshore Drive and Farner Road.
“Routine mosquito abatement operations will continue throughout the District; however, night time Ultra-Low Volume “fogging” took place (Tuesday) night in the affected area and will continue (Wednesday) night at sundown,” said Camnyon County spokesman Joe Decker.
Larvicide operations have been on-going; but persistent hot temperatures have resulted in a spike in population of the species of mosquitoes that carry (vectors) West Nile Virus, Burnett said. “Also, an aerial mosquito larvae control operation using the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) is being scheduled on Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge between Access 1 and Access 6 along Lakeshore Drive,” he added.
Because of the very hot weather continuing this week and through the July 4th weekend -- and the population increase in the species of mosquito that can carry West Nile virus, experts say it becomes all the more important to avoid mosquito bites by following practices known as the “7 D’s”.
• DRAIN any standing water on your property that may cause mosquitos and remember do not over irrigate.
• DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid outdoors.
• DRESS appropriately by wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants when outdoors.
• DEFEND yourself against mosquitoes by using an insect repellant.
• DOOR and window screens should be in good conditions to prevent mosquitos form entering your home.
• DISTRICT personnel are here to help address mosquito problems that you may be experiencing.
The number one defense to avoid mosquito bites is to wear an EPA approved insect repellant, preferably one containing 30% DEET, Burnett said.
