Organization
Chemicals
Mosquitoes
Contacts and Links
Adulticide
Larvacide
West Nile and Vectesting
Data and Maps
SB 09-087

 
Testing
VecTesting© is an in-house procedure that we can 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 VecTestŠ requires that you grind up fifty or less 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.

U.S. Dept. of Ag, Rocky Mtn. Reg. Animal  Health Lab can test equine serum for WNV.  $5.75/sample. Send samples to: CDARMRAHL, 2331 W. 31st Ave., Denver, CO 80211

Diseases
The primary concern is for livestock, foul, birds of any kind and wildlife in general. 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 uncomfortabe. F or more information on West Nile Virus check out fightthebite.com or the Colorado Department of Public Health.

 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 sites like WebMD.com.

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