Fox Run HOA

West Nile Virus Alert

May 07, 2003

As you know, Weld County had the most cases of West Nile in Colorado last summer and this summer is predicted to be even worse. The Town of Frederick has commissioned through Weld County to have Colorado Mosquito Control (CMC) help manage the mosquito populations in Frederick. Here is what will be done:
1. Map areas of permanent standing water to monitor for mosquito larvae
2. Begin monitoring for larvae and treating water as necessary ?– the mapped
areas will be tested once a week for the duration of the summer.
3. Set mosquito traps to monitor the adult populations.
4. As necessary, spray for adult mosquitoes using a truck-mounted fogger.
The mapping has already occurred and the water is beginning to be treated. Trapping and spraying of adult mosquitoes should begin in June.

What you should know about the control methods:

Controlling larvae in standing water: Sources of standing water are treated by adding bacteria to the water. These bacteria are non-toxic and pose no health threat to humans, animals, or plants. Additionally, the bacteria will be completely gone from the water within 24 hours. The mosquito larvae eat the bacteria, which in turn kills them and stops the entire population from becoming adults. If you are concerned about where the water is being treated, you can contact Colorado Mosquito Control for specific details (phone number is included in the ?“Important Contacts?” area of this newsletter).

Controlling adult mosquito populations: As stated above, areas with high populations of adult mosquitoes will be treated using a truck-mounted fogger. Similar foggers are used in many communities around the country without any health concerns. However, if you prefer your property to never be sprayed, you can add your name and address to CMC?’s ?“no fog?” list. If assigned to spray in an area that includes addresses on the ?“no-fog?” list, the driver will turn off the fogger as he passes your house, as well as leave it turned off as much up-wind from your property as possible. Again, call Colorado Mosquito Control for more details.

Other Tips for Mosquito Bite Prevention: Besides the ?“obvious?” methods of prevention such as using insect repellent that contains DEET, covering your arms and legs, or simply avoiding the outdoors in the mornings and evenings, the helpful people at Colorado Mosquito Control suggested the following to make you next outdoor barbeque or evening event more comfortable for everyone:
?· Hang light bulbs or place buckets of dry ice in your yard as far away from where people will be as possible. These act as attractants and hopefully will draw the mosquitoes away from the party. Both dry ice and light bulbs will work, but the dry ice is more effective. You can purchase dry ice at Safeway.

Finally, if you have any problem with adult mosquitoes (i.e. are receiving a lot of bites, etc), feel free to call CMC. They are very friendly and responsive and will come check and spray your area.