Mosquitoes
Larval Management
The City of Cheyenne Weed and Pest uses a biological approach to larval mosquito management in the City and the surrounding area in conjunction with Laramie County Environmental Health Department. To manage mosquito populations across the city and surrounding areas, we monitor the number and species of larval mosquitoes at over 500 sites. When larval populations are too high, or insect vectors of disease are present (certain species of mosquitos) we reduce the population of mosquitos by using a naturally occurring soil bacteria known as BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) which affects the larvae of mosquitos, fungus gnats, and blackflies. According to the EPA, BTI poses no health risks to humans, and utilizing biological control reduces harmful effects to non-target organisms.
Although biological management offers our team flexibility in treatment and is often more cost effective, physical removal of habitat is the best possible way to reduce mosquito populations and is done whenever possible. We strongly encourage citizens to help protect themselves and their neighbors by checking their homes and businesses for anything that can hold water. Bird baths, clogged gutters, rain barrels, pet water bowls, tarps, tires, etc., can all be sources of mosquitoes and should be emptied at least weekly.
Adult Mosquito Management
In addition to conducting thousands of larval mosquito surveys, Weed and Pest sets hundreds of adult mosquito traps to identify areas that require additional attention and to collect mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus (and other diseases) for virus testing. More information on West Nile Virus and its prevention can be found at the Wyoming Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the event of high Culex populations, Weed and Pest may initiate adult mosquito treatments using ultra low volume truck sprayers to reduce the risk of human infection within the City of Cheyenne. Truck spraying will be done at night during the late spring, summer, and early fall.
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ULV truck applications will be used in response to elevated levels of disease carrying mosquitoes. While performing ULV applications Weed and Pest employees will not stop to interact with residents to ensure safety of both parties. If you have questions or concerns about Weed and Pest ULV applications please contact us at 307-637-6475 or email us at weedandpest@cheyennecity.org To see products used for ULV truck spraying by the CCWP HERE. More information on ULV truck spraying can be found HERE.
Application Schedule
ULV applications are highly weather dependent and therefore not all scheduled treatments will be possible.