Our Organization
Our Chemicals
Our Mosquitoes
Our Contacts
Adulticiding
Larvaciding
Vectesting and WNV
Data and Maps

VecTesting© is an in-house procedure that we use to determine the presence of West Nile Virus, St. Louis Encephalitis, and/or Western Equine Encephalitis. It is a fifteen-minute task that produces accurate and precise results. We use the VecTest© to monitor our light trap network twice a week for the presence of these diseases. A positive result will determine when and where we fog.

The VecTest© requires that you grind up to fifty or more mosquitoes into a slurry, and place a "dipstick" into the slurry. The stick has red lines that develop indicating positive or negative status. For example, the West Nile test consists of two lines: one for the control line, and one for the presence of West Nile. If two lines develop, then the test is positive, if only one line develops then the test is negative, and if no lines develop, then the test is faulty and must be re-tested. False positives do not occur.

We will test anyone's mosquito pools for a small fee of $12.00 per pool. Simply bring us the pool and we'll inform you of the results in a timely manner.

For more information on the VecTest© see their website.

Diseases

The primary concern is for livestock, foul, Southwest Willow Flycatcher and wildlife. Mosquitoes feast on these animals/birds and can transmit the virus to them. Horses are especially susceptible and infection is usually fatal. Secondly, the concern is for human safety. Humans can be infected by West Nile, and the result is sometimes fatal, and always very uncomfortable. Follow this link for more information on West Nile.

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, and Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain, spinal cord, and surrounding tissue both are caused by viruses or bacteria. Look for more information at WebMD.com, and run a search for the above key words.

Prevention

Take Precautions:

  • Limit outside activity in the evening hours when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Avoid shaded areas during the day where mosquitoes may be resting.
  • Wear light colored long-sleeve shirts and pants.
  • Use an approved mosquito repellent on exposed skin. (repellents containing 20-30% DEET are effective. Do not use on infants and toddlers)
  • Use an approved mosquito repellent on clothing.
  • READ LABELS BEFORE USE