City combats mosquitos

The mosquitoes are in full force this summer and the city is fighting back.

Green River Parks and Recreation Director Brad Raney, sent out a press release in June about the city’s plan to control the mosquitoes. The plan includes eliminating larvae to combating adults in places around the city.

For areas of standing water they are using BTI biscuits. These tablets neutralize the mosquito larvae. They also sprayed the standing waters in the city limits with Vecotbac, which is naturally occurring and safe to use.

As for the adult mosquitoes the city sprays with an ultra-low volume fogger during 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The city has a residential map on their website which lays out the areas and days the fogging happens. If you see the vehicle the city urges you to go indoors, close all the windows and turn off cooling units until a few minutes after the truck has left your area.

“We have mosquito traps set throughout the city we use to monitor levels of mosquitos. While mosquitos are still present, they are on a downward trend,” Raney said. “We will continue fogging according to the advertised route until the nuisance has subsided.”

The city also encourages residents to follow the “5 D’s” of West Nile virus prevention which includes:

Dawn and dusk – Mosquitos prefer to feed at dawn or dusk, so avoid spending time outside during these times.

Dress – Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt outdoors. Clothing should be light-colored and made of tightly woven materials.

Drain – Mosquitos breed in shallow, stagnant water. Reduce the amount of standing water by draining and/or removing.

DEET – Use an insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide).