In 2008, The City of Loveland’s Mosquito Management Program completed its 22nd year of cost effective Integrated Mosquito Management operations with Colorado Mosquito Control (CMC) as its contractor. Mosquitoes are dynamic insects which are capable of rapid populations increases dependent on habitat, water level, rainfall events, and temperature patterns.  The experience and knowledge of CMC and its’ employees of the local lands and irrigation patterns, enables an overall reduction of mosquitoes.  The biorational management operations and data driven response to spikes in mosquito abundance are aimed at reducing the risk and annoyances associated with mosquitoes.  If left unmanaged residents residing throughout large sections of the city would be burdened by mosquitoes, thereby resulting in a decreased quality of life and reduced ability to enjoy outdoor activities.

The objective for the City of Loveland Mosquito Management Program is to utilize trained field biologists to suppress the number of mosquitoes, in the aquatic larval habitats. This reduces the potential for mosquitoes to emerge from the water to feed on and possibly infect the residents of Loveland. The City of Loveland monitors adult mosquito populations via a surveillance trapping network to enable a proactive response to suppress West Nile Virus vector mosquito populations prior to a public health emergency outbreak. Adult mosquito population data provides real time information regarding the nuisance and risk associated with mosquito populations within the City of Loveland.  This data provides scientific premise when determining the need to reduce the mosquito populations via adult mosquito control materials.

This objective enables a decline in the overall mosquito populations, while reducing the threat of mosquito borne disease transmission, at the least possible cost, and with the least possible impact on the people and natural environment.  CMC will continue to strive and demonstrate a commitment to Integrated Pest Management principles for a progressive approach to mosquito reduction.

Please call 970-962-2583 to report any water that stands for more than 4 days, mosquito annoyance concerns, or for information regarding West Nile Virus prevention. Resident phone calls continue to locate new mosquito habitats, thereby reducing the number of mosquitoes in the backyards of the City of Loveland residents.

The mosquito control area encompasses 34 square miles of land within city limits and an approximate 1 mile buffer beyond city limits.  Many sites that produce mosquitoes exist outside city limits, but are well within the flight range of most mosquitoes. Larval mosquito control work outside of the city will continue to remain a critical part of the overall operation of CMC.

Studies have indicated that adult mosquitoes can travel several miles in search of a blood meal and new habitat for offspring. Mosquitoes can be attracted from outside the city limits into a more favorable environment inside the city limits by factors including carbon dioxide, protection from wind, a nutrient rich larval site and harborage from heat. Mosquito reduction by Colorado Mosquito Control throughout the cities within Larimer County greatly reduces transient mosquito populations, thereby protecting the public from West Nile Virus transmission and the nuisance associated with mosquitoes.

The City of Loveland Mosquito Management Program is funded by city residents through the city’s utility tax.  If you refer to your utility bill, there is a charge of .70 cents/ month or $8.40/ year paid by each household in the city limits of Loveland.  The $8.40/year per household funds the surveillance monitoring of larval mosquitoes in the water, the application of bio-larvicide control products, the monitoring of adult mosquito populations via mosquito traps throughout the city, and data driven response & control of adult mosquitoes through ULV fogging applications. The money collected from the utility tax also funds all Loveland resident requests for CMC technicians to inspect resident properties and to provide fish for control of mosquitoes in ornamental ponds, where applicable.  

The Loveland field office was the first office established by Colorado Mosquito Control to perform mosquito management operations.  The program first began in 1986 in direct response to concerns voiced by city residents who wanted to spend time outdoors while minimizing chemical spraying within the city's neighborhoods. The City of Loveland responded to the interests of the public with a program designed by Lew Keenan and Dr. Richard Hayes which focused on reducing mosquito populations at the source…the aquatic larval habitats. 

The City's Integrated Pest Management program focuses on utilizing naturally occurring soil bacteria, larvicides, to control mosquitoes in the larval stage, instead of relying entirely on application of pesticides in the form of fogging materials.  The program primarily utilizes applications of Bti, a stomach toxin, which is target-specific to larval mosquitoes. This naturally occurring bacteria is activated by a specific pH within the larval gut and disrupts the larvae’s ability to consume and digest food resources.   

When properly carried out, by trained applicators, IPM programs return beneficial results in reduced pesticide use, reduced frequency of pesticide resistance, and reduced exposure to pesticides by the environment. The Mosquito Management Program offered by CMC follows successful IPM principles for cost effective, scientific methods of survey/ inspection, evaluation, diagnosis, application and record keeping of materials used.

Nearly 22 years later, the City of Loveland's program has not changed in its Integrated Pest Management philosophy.  As of 2008, there are 1,170 larval mosquito habitats included in the regular inspection and larviciding program for the City of Loveland’s Mosquito Management Program.  There were 47 new larval sites identified and added to the routine inspection program in 2008. Field technicians methodically inspect larval habitats twice a week, weekly, bi-weekly or post rainfall, as deemed necessary based off of historical data.  A technician may spend the day inspecting a variety of habitats ranging from urban mosquito breeding locations (storm drains, catch basins, wading pools, paddle boats & tire piles), as well as cattail marshes, stagnant ditches, reservoir edges and irrigated pastures.  Inspections are performed to determine whether larval mosquitoes are present or not at a site. Once the presence of mosquito larvae is confirmed, larvicides are applied.  This enables targeted control, while reducing the miles of city streets that need to be fogged for adult mosquitoes.

2008 Loveland Annual Report

2007 Loveland Annual Report

2006 Loveland Annual Report

In 2008, the Northern Front Range did not receive heavy rains in May, June or July, thereby keeping floodwater mosquito species below normal in some areas.  Exceptions to this occurred in areas that saw heavy flood irrigation or spring snow melt runoff along the river basins of the Big Thompson and Poudre River.  Most of the significant mosquito populations early in the season were Aedes species resulting from river runoff and early season irrigation.  Lab larval identification of mosquito samples collected during field inspections indicated an increase in Culex tarsalis mosquito larva during week 26 (late June) and another spike in the second week of July (week 28).

In 2008, 81% of the total sites inspected were wet upon inspection and 32% were producing mosquito larvae. In 2007, 80% of the total site inspections consisted of wet sites with larval production at 47% of these sites. In 2006, 75% of the total site inspections consisted of wet sites with larval production at 35% of the total sites.  In 2005, 76% of the total inspected sites were found wet, with larval production at 39% of the sites. In 2004, 74% of the total inspected sites were found wet, with 34% larval production at these sites. In 2003, 74% of the total inspected sites were found wet, with 44% larval production at these sites. The percentages detailed do not include storm drains or backyard inspections.

CMC’s favored method of larval mosquito control is through bacterial bio-rational products.  The main product used by CMC is a variety of bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israeliensis).  Bti, as it is known, has become the cornerstone of mosquito control programs throughout the world.  Most Mosquito Abatement Districts have incorporated Bti applications into their management practices.  The benefits of applications using Bti include its efficacy and lack of environmental impacts.  When used properly, successful control without impact to aquatic invertebrates, birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, or humans can be achieved.  A broad label allows for the use of the product in the majority of the habitats throughout the service area.  Another bacterial product closely related to Bti is Bacillus sphaericus (Bs).  In addition to all of the benefits of Bti, Bs is by definition a true biological control agent in that it remains in the system through multiple broods, or generations, of mosquitoes. Unfortunately, the residual benefit of the control comes at a cost in price at approximately three times that of Bti. 

In 2005 Colorado Mosquito Control incorporated a fathead minnow giveaway program into the Integrated Mosquito Management services we provide.  The intention of the giveaway is to provide residents of the community with a biological control option for Culex pipiens mosquitoes.  Although many species of fish are consumers of mosquito larva; predatory fish, birds, and bats do not provide large scale control of mosquito populations to be used as the primary mechanism. 

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) has placed restrictions on the stocking of certain species of fish.  The CDOW prefers the stocking of fathead minnows on the eastern slope (Pimephales promelas), which is a native species to Colorado.  Mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis), while an effective predator on mosquito larvae, are an introduced species, and may have a larger impact on the native fish of Colorado waters.  A very aggressive feeder and rapid reproducer, Gambusia often out-compete their native counterparts. 

CMC’s 4th annual fish give away was held on June 23rd, at Ace Hardware locations in Fort Collins and Loveland.  This giveaway enabled CMC to provide residents with approximately 1,500 fathead minnows for control within their own residential ponds.  CMC also took requests from residents, for those not receiving fish, to independently stock residential ponds. Another 2,000 fathead minnows were distributed to residents by a CMC technician in the weeks following the giveaway event.

This season’s giveaway will be the final one offered in a single day.  Although the promotion of the giveaway has been a large success due to media coverage, the giveaway, which is intended for city residents, has drawn residents from unincorporated surrounding counties. When revisiting the addresses where fish were stocked by residents or per resident request, many sites were found to be inadequate and did not justify the introduction of fish.  CMC will continue to offer a fish stocking program; however, site stocking will be at CMC discretion on a bi-weekly basis in the month of June.  Multiple stocking sessions will reduce the stress on fish during transportation and minimize their introduction to ponds and lakes.  The goal of CMC is to maintain the purpose of this program, not create bait for other fish, or cause mass die-off of stocked minnows.

Residents are encouraged to call 970-962-2583 to request a CMC technician to stock their ornamental ponds for 2009.  Please ensure that your pond is at least 3 feet deep, does not contain koi, blue, or other predatory fish, and possesses a soil base bottom so that the fish can survive the winter.

Data on mosquito abundance and species identity is critical in the operation of a successful mosquito management program.  Over the past few years, identifying, packaging, and sending Culex mosquito pool samples to the CDC/CDPHE labs for West Nile Virus testing has also become critically important in the battle against West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases. The purpose of a surveillance program is to be an early warning system. In other words, the system is intended to alert mosquito personnel of an impending health crisis. The key is that the system gives enough advanced warning that mosquito control personnel can work with County Health Departments and city officials to take effective steps in minimizing the number of human cases.

In 2008, Colorado Mosquito Control monitored a statewide network with more than 3,100 trap nights set, collecting 416,000 adult mosquitoes that were counted and identified to species by the CMC Surveillance Laboratory. While individual traps provide only limited information, trap data is interpreted in the context of historical records for the same surveillance location, going back in time more than a decade in some locations.  Individual traps are also compared to other traps from around the region that were set on the same night and therefore exposed to similar weather conditions. Technicians working in the Surveillance Laboratory at Colorado Mosquito Control, Inc. are trained to provide accurate species identification of mosquito specimens for both adults and larval mosquitoes. More than 50 mosquito species are believed to occur in Colorado and 20 of those were identified from samples processed during the 2008 season from across the state.

CMC employs two kinds of traps to monitor mosquito populations.  The CDC light trap uses carbon-dioxide from dry ice as bait to attract female mosquitoes seeking a blood meal from a respiring animal.  Once attracted by the CO2, the mosquitoes are lured by a small light to a fan that pulls them into a net for collection.  The gravid trap uses a tub of highly-organic water as bait to attract female mosquitoes that are looking for a place to lay their eggs.  A fan placed close to the water surface forces mosquitoes that come to the water into a collection bag.

Additionally, the CMC Surveillance Laboratory conducts an intensive larval identification program with over 10, 000 larval mosquito samples collected by I&L technicians.  Collections are made prior to larvicide applications and identification of species information is retained in our database. This information is now invaluable in targeting mosquito control efforts as we gain a greater understanding of the habitat types preferred by mosquito species of Colorado and the seasonality of these habitats as sites for mosquito development.

In 2008, an average of 37 surveillance light trap locations (approximately 1 trap per square mile) monitored adult mosquito populations within the city limits of Loveland. The intent of the trapping density is to monitor mosquito annoyance across the city limits of Loveland and use the data to isolate mosquito spraying, fogging, to isolated problem areas.  This in effect will reduce the amount of pesticides used for adult mosquito control operations.

CDC battery-operated “light traps” were set weekly in each location to provide adult mosquito population data for seasonal comparison and determination of adult mosquito spray zones.

Surveillance trapping began May 22nd and trapping was concluded on September 11th with rainfall and cooler temperatures during the first weeks of September.  

In 2008, 524 surveillance light traps were set within the City of Loveland, which collected 16,621 mosquitoes. The average number of mosquitoes collected per trap per night in 2008 was 32 and the average Culex mosquitoes collected per trap per night was 12.  The percent composition of mosquitoes collected in 2008 was 58.9% (9,804) Aedes/Ochlerotatus spp., 3.8% (636) Culiseta spp., .04% (7) Anopheles spp., 1 Coquillettidia spp. and 37.9% (6,300) Culex spp. mosquitoes.

In addition to mosquito sample testing for WNV from surveillance trap data, the Larimer County Department of Health & Environment collects and tests dead birds to monitor for West Nile Virus activity.  To see an identification chart for birds (Corvid family) which are the best carriers of WNV and collected by LCDHE, visit the link below

http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/zoonosis/wnv/CorvidSubmission.pdf

The Vector Index (VI) has been studied by the Centers for Disease Control and is used in assessment for West Nile Virus risk.  Wes Nile mosquito infection data was evaluated by the CDC from mosquito collections performed by CMC during the 2003-2008 seasons. The objective for seasonal analysis of WN infection rates in mosquitoes has been to generate a tool that can evaluate the public health risk for West Nile Virus transmission on a weekly basis throughout the mosquito season.   

As defined on the CDPHE website, The Vector Index (VI) is a measure of infection rate adjusted for Culex mosquito population size within a given area.  The value is an estimate of the number of West Nile Virus infected mosquitoes collected per trap per night.  The data suggests that a vector index of .75 or above is an indicator of high risk for West Nile Virus transmission to human in the area. (www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/zoonosis/wnv/wnvsentinel.html)

In 2008, a total of 756 samples containing 11,366 Culex mosquitoes collected from City of Fort Collins mosquito surveillance traps were submitted to the Centers for Disease Control. There were 12 WN+ samples collected from mosquito surveillance traps in the City of Fort Collins.  A total of 626 sample pools containing 7,435 Culex mosquitoes collected from City of Loveland mosquito surveillance traps were submitted to the Centers for Disease Control. There were 10 WN+ samples confirmed from surveillance traps in the City of Loveland. 

There were 50 samples collected from surveillance traps within Unincorporated Larimer County, which contained 2,311 Culex mosquitoes, submitted to the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) for WN testing in 2008. There were 3 WN+ samples collected from unincorporated Larimer County surveillance traps. 

In 2007, there were 134 mosquito samples confirmed WN+ in the City of Fort Collins. In 2007, there were 105 WN+ mosquito samples in the City of Loveland.  There were 9 WN+ mosquito samples obtained from unincorporated areas of Larimer County in 2007. The City of Fort Collins surveillance traps detected 53 WN+ samples in 2006. The City of Loveland traps returned 49 WN+ mosquito sample pools in 2006.  There were 10 mosquito samples found positive for WNV in Fort Collins 2005. There were 5 mosquito samples found positive for WNV in Loveland in 2005. In 2004, there were 2 mosquito sample pools obtained from surveillance traps in Fort Collins and no pools in Loveland. In 2003 both cities reported over 50 WNV positive mosquito sample pools, with variability in the number of surveillance traps set and scale of programs from 2003. 

Adult mosquitoes can come from unknown unidentified sites or may migrate in from uncontrolled areas. The City of Loveland uses all available data from CDC light traps, Mosquito Hotline annoyance calls, and field technician reports to focus adult mosquito control efforts on specific, very limited “targeted” areas. In parts of the community were high numbers of mosquito annoyance calls are received, “floater” CDC light traps are set to evaluate adult population levels and species make-up. In most cases, a direct correlation is evident between areas with high complaint calls and high trap counts. While this correlation allows us to focus adult control in these areas, the emphasis is placed on finding the source of breeding and continued larval control measures.

Over 95% of the City of Loveland’s mosquito control program is targeted against larval (aquatic stage) mosquitoes utilizing biological control materials, however on occasion adult mosquito spraying becomes necessary. At that point Colorado Mosquito Control utilizes 3.3% Permethrin in ultra low volume (ULV) spray applications via truck mounted fogging machines. ULV sprayers dispense an extremely small amount (0.0019 pounds per acre) of fine aerosol droplets which stay aloft and kill adult mosquitoes on contact.

Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid similar to the insecticide pyrethrum which occurs naturally in chrysanthemum plants. Permethrin is found in a variety of products, including household insecticides, flea dips, repellent for clothing, sprays for pets, and lice shampoos. This pesticide has been selected to achieve effective control of mosquitoes and suppression of West Nile Virus transmission with the least impact on human health and the environment.

Fogging applications are performed based on mosquito populations caught in traps on a nightly basis.    The city is divided into 36 zones with at least 1 trap per zone.  Specific neighborhoods are fogged when surveillance traps catch 100 floodwater mosquitoes, referred to as a “Nuisance Threshold” or 50 Culex mosquitoes, referred to as a “Disease Threshold”. The thresholds for fogging applications are established by an industry standard that measures vector and nuisance mosquito populations.

Colorado Mosquito Control uses state of the art technology, correct application timing, and least-toxic products to minimize non-target impacts.  All adult mosquito control is accomplished using calibrated Ultra Low Volume (ULV) equipment and performed after dusk.  This type of equipment produces droplets averaging 12 microns in diameter and allows for a minimal amount of product to be put into the environment. These treatments take place in the evening when mosquitoes are flying in greater numbers and non-target activity is greatly reduced.  Using this application technique, the overall goal of minimal environmental impact and effective adult control is achieved in the targeted area. All insecticides used by Colorado Mosquito Control are registered by the EPA and the Colorado State Department of Agriculture.

Upon request, residents can be notified prior to spraying with Permethrin insecticides.  Call & Shutoff forms are available online and may be submitted via CMC website or by mail. Please note that a shutoff does not guarantee that drift of insecticide material will not occur and may decrease the effectiveness of adulticiding on mosquitoes in your immediate area. The call shutoff list is a service that CMC provide to residents and may be obsolete in the case of a West Nile Virus Public Health emergency, as experienced in 2003.  For additional information regarding permethrin, including toxicology data please visit: www.comosquitocontrol.com and click on the tab for pesticides. 

Online Dashboard!!!

Visit: www.comosquitocontrol.com/larimerco08.html

The development of our online dashboard has proven to be a success in 2008!  In many municipalities the link to CMC’s dashboard from the contracted areas webpage has provided transparency of data for mosquito control operations directly to the residents.  From the dashboard, data for specific mosquito traps, acres of larvicides applied, ULV miles sprayed and West Nile Virus positive mosquito locations can be accessed from the page options.  Interactive reports on the dashboard are updated on a daily basis to contain all current data throughout the season. CMC encourages the distribution of this link to enable faster reporting about operations and answers to inquiries from the community.

CMC Website

Our website, www.comosquitocontrol.com, is the leading website in the State of Colorado when it comes to providing up-to-date, factual, and comprehensive information on, and links to, mosquito biology and control, mosquito-borne diseases, pesticide toxicology information, and a wealth of topics relating to mosquitoes.

CMC feels that the City of Loveland Client Page, Data Dashboard Page and daily posting of spray schedules on our website is a great way to keep residents informed about the mosquito control operations within their community.  Our website continues to serve an integral part of the dissemination of operational data to the citizens with little request for resources or time required by the city and its employees.

For 23 years CMC has believed in and demonstrated that a strong Public Outreach and Education Program is one of the keys to success in providing large-scale municipal mosquito control programs. Citizen complaints, inquiries, information, and satisfaction surveys can aid in evaluating the effectiveness of a program. CMC constantly looks for ways to better serve the communities we work with and appreciates the citizen involvement in the betterment of the programs we offer. We have clearly demonstrated that commitment and belief by proactively serving the Loveland community (and all of our contracted communities) with numerous innovative programs, activities and services as described in the following section. 

MosquitoLine™

CMC offers a toll-free (in Colorado) telephone line: (877) 276-4306 as well as our local number, and will accept calls from the public concerning, but not limited to the following:

• Opt their property out of any adulticide spraying via a “shut-off list” which is updated annually and as new requests are received
• Request notification when adulticide spraying is planned in and around their neighborhood
• Report mosquito annoyance areas and request floater traps at their residence
• Report standing, stagnant water that may indicate the presence of larval sites or harborage
• Request fish to control mosquito larvae (where applicable and appropriate)
• Request information on how to control and/or prevent mosquitoes on their property and mosquito-borne diseases such as WNV, WEE and SLE
• Request health and safety information about mosquito control operations and pesticide products used in the City of Loveland
• CMC will maintain a log of calls received including date, name, address, type of call, response, resolution, and resolution date. CMC will summarize call activity in weekly, monthly and annual reports

ImmediateResponse™

CMC introduced the concept of a 24 hour guaranteed response/resolution time to all mosquito annoyance complaints to City of Loveland in 1994 with our trademarked ImmediateResponse™ System.  CMC will continue to respond accordingly to all mosquito related complaints and will refer any service related complaints to the City of Loveland.

• CMC will verify the validity of mosquito annoyance complaints by on-site inspection including; adult mosquito trapping via nearby pre-determined trap locations or floater traps, as needed, and/or landing counts (10 females mosquitoes per 5 minute period = annoyance level) and/or larval dip surveillance in local breeding sites.
• CMC will resolve all complaints, if possible within 24 hours to the satisfaction and standard of The City of Loveland.
• CMC will provide education, either verbally or through educational materials to the complainant in an effort to promote self management of mosquito problems.
• CMC will submit as part of the weekly report all complaints and responses, including those that could not be resolved with reasons for such.

Free Fish Stocking Program

CMC will continue to work with City of Loveland residents to supply larvivorous fish to those residents with ornamental and closed-system ponds that are not currently stocked with fish and that may be producing mosquito problems in their neighborhoods. CMC technicians will physically visit the resident’s homes to distribute fish and confirm that the pond is a viable habitat for fish.

Fathead minnows are the preferred fish for this application because they are native to Colorado, prominently found in the Platte, Republican, Arkansas and Rio Grande basins.  Minnows also have high reproductive success and are tolerant of various habitats.  A single fathead minnow can consume up to 600 mosquito larvae an hour, thereby providing another biological control in ornamental ponds. The fathead minnow averages a life span of 3 years. 

“Prevention & Protection” Presentations

CMC offers all resident committees, homeowner’s associations, or employers the option to have a member of CMC staff  provide informative presentations about personal protection, repellents, West Nile Virus activity and ways to reduce mosquitoes by dumping/ draining standing water. These presentations work in conjunction with the Colorado Department of Health and Environment’s Fight the Bite campaign.  CMC can also provide specifics about mosquito control operations and data for a given area of Loveland to any person whom requests.  Please call 970-962-2582 for more information or to schedule a presentation time. 

Backyard Inspection Program

CMC employs a full time technician solely assigned to inspecting residential backyards and educating residents about the Fight the Bite campaign.  Backyard inspections will reduce container breeding WNV vector mosquitoes and increase public contact and program involvement.