Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Found in Greeley

woman with long sleeves and pants sprays for mosquitoes

Residents can help protect themselves by following the ‘Four D’s’

GREELEY, Colo. — The City of Greeley has begun mosquito spraying operations after trapped mosquitoes tested positive for the West Nile Virus. The virus can spread to people and animals by bites from infected mosquitoes.

In Colorado, these viruses are transmitted to people by a species called Culex tarsalis. These mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk. They lay eggs in standing water – like irrigated fields, old tires, or puddles of water standing for more than a few days.

Protect Yourself: Remember the Four D’s

Drain standing water
Deet is an effective ingredient in mosquito repellents
Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors
Dusk and Dawn are times when mosquitoes are most active

Greeley’s Mosquito Program

Greeley’s Stormwater Division runs the city’s mosquito program. Since 2022, the city has worked with Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) to help control mosquitoes. This company sets traps and checks 20 sites in Greeley each week. It also treats water in city-owned parks, ponds, and open spaces to eliminate mosquitoes before they hatch.

Nick Weston, environmental technician IV in the city’s Public Works and Transportation Department, said residents can help by eliminating standing water around their homes and using mosquito protection.

“We work closely with our contractor to stay on top of any positive West Nile Virus tests of mosquitoes in Greeley,” Weston said. “We initiate targeted spraying of neighborhoods the following evening after a positive test exceeds a set threshold.”

The virus is prevalent from May to September when mosquitoes are most abundant, but the risk to humans occurs primarily from August to early September.

To report mosquito issues or to learn more about spraying operations, call the city’s mosquito contractor, VDCI, at 303-428-5908.

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