Mosquitoes have long been a part of many Colorado ecosystems, but some agricultural practices have increased their populations well beyond natural levels. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases from animals to man as well as cause serious annoyance problems. In Colorado the primary disease of concern is now West Nile Virus as well as Western Equine Encephalitis which can cause swelling of the brain and nervous system disorders in both horses and man. By monitoring and controlling mosquitoes we can prevent an outbreak of disease and greatly reduce nuisance problems. Irrigated lands are among the highest producers of mosquito breeding sites in Colorado. High numbers of mosquitoes can develop in standing water as a result of flood irrigation. By taking the actions below, you can help prevent the spread of disease, and control mosquito nuisance by using physical control in place of biologicals and chemicals. Actions you can take:

• Minimize standing water in fields to less than four days by improving drainage channels.

• Tail waters should not be allowed to accumulate for more than 4 days at the end of the field.

• Keep ditches clean of heavy vegetation to promote more rapid drainage.

• Have ditches repaired to reduce seepage

• Help your neighbors minimize standing water by pointing out trouble spots

• To report standing water which cannot be eliminated or to report standing water in other areas call Colorado Mosquito Control Toll-Free at (877) 276-4306. CMC can control mosquito larvae without chemicals.