Mosquito Activity On The Rise In Cheyenne And Laramie County

Cheyenne Weed and Pest says it is seeing an increase in mosquitos in both the City of Cheyenne and Laramie County.

With hot summer weather expected over the next few weeks, that trend is expected to continue, according to a news release.

The release also warns that while most mosquitos don't carry dangerous viruses, some do carry West Nile virus. Not everyone who gets bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus gets sick, but people over 50 tend to be especially vulnerable. West Nile virus can be fatal in a few cases and can make others who may survive the virus very sick, including neurological diseases. In less serious cases it can still cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, skin rash, or swollen lymph glands.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms after being bitten by a mosquito should see a doctor immediately.

The release says Weed and Pest will begin Ultra Low Volume spraying for adult mosquitos in areas with a lot of the insects, Most of the spraying will happen at night, and people may notice a strobe light and hear a small equipment motor as they pass.

Tips For Keeping Mosquito Populations Down

Weed and Pest says people should eliminate any standing water on their property, and take the following steps to protect themselves:

Drain or remove any items that can hold water on your property, such as toys, buckets, wading pools, canoes, and wheelbarrows.

Drill holes in the bottoms of containers and remove any discarded tires.

Tightly cover water storage containers such as buckets, cisterns, and rain barrels.

Repair cracks or gaps in septic tanks and cover open vent or plumbing pipes with mesh that is smaller than a mosquito.

Make sure that roof gutters drain properly, clear vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds, and remove leaf debris from yards and gardens.

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