Mosquito Management
The 4 D’s of Mosquito Bite Prevention
Defend
- Use mosquito repellent every time you go outside, and reapply it as directed.
- Choose an EPA-approved repellent
- Products with 10–30% DEET work well for most people
- Always follow the directions on the label
- Protect pets too by keeping dogs and cats on heartworm prevention
Dress
- Wear clothing that helps cover your skin.
- Choose long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes
- Put repellent on any exposed skin, like your hands, ankles, face, and neck
Drain
- Get rid of standing water around your home.
- Empty water from items like buckets, tires, tarps, birdbaths, wheelbarrows, and outdoor equipment
- Make sure water drains properly from gutters, flower pots, rain barrels, ditches, and storm drains
- Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, so even small amounts matter
Dusk & Dawn
- Be extra careful at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Try to spend less time outside during these hours
- During the day, mosquitoes often hide in cool, shady areas
- Check places like bushes, ivy, weeds, and wood piles
How We Check for Mosquitoes
During mosquito season, usually June through September, the City works with a mosquito control contractor to help protect residents.
The contractor, Vector Disease Control International (VDCI), checks mosquito activity across the city by setting traps every week at 18 locations. These traps collect adult mosquitoes so they can be counted and identified by species. If mosquito levels become a concern, the contractor may spray in specific areas as needed.
Contact VDCI
If you have questions, want to report a mosquito problem, or want tips on reducing mosquitoes around your home, call VDCI at 970-278-9977 or toll-free at 877-276-4306.
West Nile Virus
There are more than 3,000 mosquito species worldwide. About 175 species have been found in the United States, and around 20 species are found in Colorado.
Most mosquitoes do not spread disease. For most people, it is not necessary to avoid outdoor activities. Adults over age 50 are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from West Nile virus.
More information about West Nile virus is available at cdc.gov/westnile/index.html.