Fremont County and Canon City officials on Wednesday reviewed local efforts to control mosquitoes and to educate citizens about taking precautions to avoid contracting West Nile Virus. Fremont County Nursing Administrator Clarice Little said part of the effort is a $12,748 grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Little said the grant is not used for any mosquito control measures but can be used to set up 'Sentinel' trap sites. Little said the Nursing Office has been distributing insect wipes and spray containing 'Deet' repellant. Distributions are taking place at area senior centers and day care centers. Educational programs are underway including information being distributed at the Fremont County Fair.
Fremont County West Nile program coordinator J.R. Phillips said it appears there is an increase in the number of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes which are the typical carriers of the West Nile virus. Phillips the latest numbers examined from mosquitoes trapped Tuesday showed 26 of the Culex tarsalis species out of 200 mosquitoes that were trapped. The 'Sentinel' trap site is located north of Canon City. Phillips said they may consider setting up another trap site in the Rainbow Park area east of Florence because of all the mosquito problems reported in that area.
County Road crews and Canon City Parks personnel continue to place BTI mosquito larvae control briquettes in standing water to kill the larvae before they hatch. Citizens can purchase 18 of the BTI briquettes for $15 at the Fremont County Extension Office.
Phillips said while the heavy rains in July hatched a lot of mosquitoes they also triggered some natural controls in nature. Phillips said tadpoles have been found in many mud puddles which keep the water stirred up so mosquitoes can't hatch. He said the resulting frogs may be feasting on mosquitoes as well as a number of dragon flies which are in the area.
Fremont County West Nile program coordinator J.R. Phillips said it appears there is an increase in the number of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes which are the typical carriers of the West Nile virus. Phillips the latest numbers examined from mosquitoes trapped Tuesday showed 26 of the Culex tarsalis species out of 200 mosquitoes that were trapped. The 'Sentinel' trap site is located north of Canon City. Phillips said they may consider setting up another trap site in the Rainbow Park area east of Florence because of all the mosquito problems reported in that area.
County Road crews and Canon City Parks personnel continue to place BTI mosquito larvae control briquettes in standing water to kill the larvae before they hatch. Citizens can purchase 18 of the BTI briquettes for $15 at the Fremont County Extension Office.
Phillips said while the heavy rains in July hatched a lot of mosquitoes they also triggered some natural controls in nature. Phillips said tadpoles have been found in many mud puddles which keep the water stirred up so mosquitoes can't hatch. He said the resulting frogs may be feasting on mosquitoes as well as a number of dragon flies which are in the area.
Fremont County Environmental Health Officer Sid Darden said there have been no confirmed cases of West Nile virus in birds, horses, or humans in 2006 in Fremont County. As part of the ongoing educational effort plans are being made to place 'Fight the Bite' stickers on most government vehicles in the area.