Presently no cases of West Nile virus (WNv) have been confirmed in Albany County and the City of Laramie currently rates the risk of infection at level 1 (Remote Risk).

This risk assessment is based on low numbers of vector mosquitoes and no reported WNv activity in birds or mosquitoes. Surveillance indicates that thresholds may be reached to begin fogging operations to control nuisance mosquitoes by Sunday, June 8th. Applications will take place between the hours of 9pm and 4am, Sunday through Thursday.

Residents should expect an increase in residential fogging operations this season as aerial applications to rural areas abutting the City have been decreased. The current application plan calls for treatments to each section of the City on an every third day rotation when mosquito numbers are above threshold levels. If the surveillance data shows continued high numbers of mosquitoes the application plan calls for treatments to increase to every other day or possibly every day, as needed.

Mosquito control crews will be applying Perm-X UL 4-4 in most residential areas, Parks, Recreation areas, and on the Laramie River Greenbelt Trail. Perm-X UL 4-4 contains the
active ingredients 4% Permethrin and 4% Piperonyl Butoxide. The remaining 92% is an oil based carrier. Perm-X UL 4-4 will be applied at the Ultra Low Volume of 1.3 ounces per acre. Pyrocide 7396 will be applied in areas of east Laramie that fall within the Aquifer Protection Overlay (APO). Pyrocide 7396 has the active ingredients 5% natural pyrethrin and 25 % Piperonyl Butoxide. The remaining 70 % is an oil based carrier. Pyrocide 7396 will be applied at the Ultra Low Volume rate of 0.75 ounces per acre.

The fogger is powered by a small gasoline engine, which constantly moves a volume of compressed air through the fogger head. The flow of chemical is controlled by the operator from within the cab. During the application of chemical the engine will run at high RPM and a fog cloud will be plainly visible. When chemical is not being applied the engine will continue to run at a low idle RPM. Fogging trucks will operate with a continuous amber strobe light on the cab as a caution device for motorists and pedestrians.

Mosquito control application schedules will be available daily on the Mosquito Control and Integrated Pest Management Hotline at 721-5056 and on the City’s website at www.cityoflaramie.org/hotline. The Hotline is updated daily at 4pm and will also list any chemical application made by City of Laramie Parks Division crews. For further information contact Keith Wardlaw, Mosquito Control Crew Supervisor at 721-5258 or David Schott, Parks Manager at 721-5264.

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