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The Town of Timnath Mosquito Management Program can provide services regarding:
- Information about mosquito biology and source reduction of mosquito habitats
- Information on mosquito control and monitoring efforts within the city and West Nile Virus activity on a seasonal basis
- Information about personal protection for mosquito annoyance and West Nile Virus risk
- Arrange routine habitat inspections at residential backyards, catch basins, retention ponds on either city or private property with permission
- Perform application of mosquito control products using integrated pest management methods and target specific controls on mosquito larva at no cost to the property owner
- Discuss treatment options and management procedures with property owners
- Respond to reports and concerns of mosquitoes and possible mosquito habitats
- Stock residential ponds with fat head minnows for biological control
In 2009, The Town of Timnath Mosquito Management Program completed its 5th 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 town would be burdened by mosquitoes, thereby resulting in a decreased quality of life and reduced ability to enjoy outdoor activities.  Colorado Mosquito Control has designed, implemented, pioneered, refined and pushed to new technological levels, a comprehensive mosquito control program based on the sound scientific principles of IPM and the environmental goals of the Town of Timnath. In the years since the Town of Timnath Mosquito Management Program’s inception and continuation of CMC as the program contractor, the Mosquito Management Program, under the operation and management of CMC, has developed into one of the foremost environmentally sensitive and technologically advanced Integrated Mosquito Management Programs in the United States. Additionally, CMC has fostered the cooperative efforts for mosquito control and epizootic response management between Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, the Cities of Loveland & Fort Collins, the Colorado Department of Health and Environment and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The value of this cooperative program and its underlying data sharing and communications cannot be over-emphasized. The objective for the Town of Timnath 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 Fort Collins. The Town of Timnath 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 Town of Timnath. 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 970-663-5697 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 Town of Timnath residents.
The larval coverage area includes approximately 7 square miles of private and public lands, where permission is granted, within town limits of Timnath. Although many of the larval mosquito habitats are outside the town limits, all are well within the flight range of most mosquitoes. Larval control work within and around the town boundaries 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. CMC’s larval mosquito reduction across the control area greatly reduces transient mosquito populations.
How Is The Mosquito Management Program Funded?
Funding for the Town of Timnath Mosquito Management Program is appropriated from a general fund from local tax revenue. The money paid 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 town, and data driven response & control of adult mosquitoes through ULV fogging applications.
The History behind the Town of Timnath’s Mosquito Management Program
After 5 years of larval control in the Town of Timnath and buffer areas, the reduction in overall mosquitoes is evident from surveillance data and resident feedback, despite seasonal variation in temperature and rain variables. This environmentally friendly program always uses biological control choices first to reduce mosquito populations at the source…the aquatic larval habitats. Larvicide applications are designed to reduce mosquito populations below established disease thresholds. The Town’s Integrated Pest Management program focuses on utilizing naturally occurring soil bacteria, larvicides, to control mosquitoes in the larval stage, instead of solely 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.
The higher-than-normal levels of precipitation during the 2009 season replenished the water table to levels not seen in years for many areas along the Front Range. Rainfall totals remained above average for a majority of the 2009 mosquito season. Although most of the rainfall occurred in early April and June, additional weekly rainfall created numerous larval mosquito habitats and kept things green throughout the season. With the excess moisture came a corresponding above-average workload for larval mosquito control activities, due to the flushing and refilling of aquatic habitats on a regular basis. In general, many reservoirs and ditches remained full for a large portion of the summer, because irrigation water was not moved as quickly. Many grassy edges and inlets to reservoirs were consistently producing mosquito larvae throughout most of the season. Working with local farmers to understand and recognize the patterns of agricultural irrigation continues to be one of CMC’s ongoing priorities.
 Mosquito populations in the first part of the 2009 season consisted of primarily Aedes spp., known as “floodwater” mosquitoes as their eggs hatch in response to rising water levels resulting from rainfall and/or irrigation. Adult Culex mosquito populations spiked in mid-July, as they require standing water to lay their eggs in. Overall, vector mosquitoes comprised about 50-75% of mosquito collections during July and August, remaining in line with historical averages. This scenario could have played out much differently had the median temperature during early spring been warmer, as occurred in 2003 when the vector Culex mosquitoes had an early population spike. 2009 was different in that we had similar moisture levels, but without the corresponding high temperatures of the 2003 “WNV epidemic” season.The first West Nile Virus infected mosquitoes were detected in Weld County on July 10, Boulder County on July 13, and Larimer County on July 14. West Nile infection rates in mosquitoes remained below epidemic years and the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) ceased WN testing of mosquitoes on August 14. Dip counts for larval mosquitoes slowed into late August. By the first days of September the species composition of Culex mosquitoes collected from adult trapping dropped to less than 10% of the total counts in most areas. 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).
2008 Surveillance Trapping Operations
 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 2009, Colorado Mosquito Control monitored a statewide network of over 250 trap sites, with over 3,100 trap nights set, collecting more than 499,000 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 more than 20 of those were identified from samples processed during the 2009 season from across the state, including one species found in the Pueblo area that was previously not known from Colorado.  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.
2009 Surveillance Light Trap Data Comparison
In 2009, an average of 2 CDC surveillance light trap locations monitored adult mosquito populations within the Town of Timnath. The Timnath Golf Course surveillance location (LC-022) was retired in 2009 at the request of the Town. The Town requested that a trap be placed in the Timnath Ranch/ Summerfields subdivision to monitor the mosquito populations in this developing community. The Timnath Summerfields surveillance location (LC-048) became permanent on 7/8. Weather permitting, CDC battery-operated “light traps” were set weekly in each location to provide adult mosquito population data for seasonal comparisons. Surveillance trapping began May 26 and trapping was concluded on September 4, halted by cooler temperatures during the first weeks of September.
In 2009, 28 surveillance light traps were set within the Town of Timnath, which collected 5,282 total mosquitoes. The average number of mosquitoes collected per trap per night was 189 and the average number of Culex mosquitoes collected per trap per night was 46. The percent composition of mosquitoes collected in 2009 included 74.4% (3,931) Aedes/Ochlerotatus spp., 23.6% (1,248) Culex tarsalis, .8% (42) Culex pipiens, and 1.2% (61) Culiseta spp. mosquitoes.
WN Virus Mosquito Results 2009
A total of 975 Culex mosquitoes collected from the Town of Timnath were submitted to the CDPHE for WNV testing, 26 times over the course of 2009. There was one WN+ mosquito sample collected on 8/11 from the Town of Timnath in 2009. All mosquito sample testing by the CDPHE was completed at no charge to the Town of Timnath in 2009, and was done so through the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.
Targeted Ultra-low Volume Adult Mosquito Control
Adult mosquitoes can come from unknown unidentified sites or may migrate in from uncontrolled areas. The Town of Timnath 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 Town of Timnath mosquito control program is targeted against larval (aquatic stage) mosquitoes utilizing biological control materials, however on occasion adult mosquito suppression becomes necessary. If deemed necessary from surveillance trapping data, 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 only within the first few hours after sunset because this is the most active period for mosquitoes, when they emerge from the vegetation after the hottest part of the day has passed. All insecticides used by Colorado Mosquito Control are registered by the EPA and the Colorado State Department of Agriculture.
Fogging applications are performed based on mosquito populations caught in traps on a nightly basis. The town is divided into 3 zones. 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.
Notification and Shutoff Services
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.
Technology
Online Dashboard!!!
Visit: www.comosquitocontrol.com/larimerco08.html
 The development of our online dashboard has proven to be a success! 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 Town of Timnath 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.
 Public Relations and Education Programs
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 Timnath 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 Town of Timnath
- 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 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 Town of Timnath.
- 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 Town of Timnath
- 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 Timnath 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.
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.
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