Loveland launches seasonal mosquito controls as West Nile monitoring begins

The City of Loveland and its contractor, Vector Disease Control International, have started seasonal mosquito surveillance and control efforts aimed at reducing the risk of West Nile virus infection, according to a city news release.

VDCI will monitor mosquito activity at 40 trap locations in Loveland through September. Spraying will take place in specific areas only when trap counts exceed thresholds of 100 total mosquitoes or 50 Culex mosquitoes, which the city said are the primary carriers of West Nile virus.

The city said VDCI will track mosquito activity by location, test mosquitoes for West Nile virus, use fog spraying when populations or virus activity rise to targeted levels and apply larvicide to standing water to kill mosquito larvae. Surveillance is conducted weekly.

Residents can view an interactive map of mosquito activity, virus testing results and trap zones on VDCI’s website. The city also said residents may request a call notification before spraying begins or submit a shutoff request through VDCI’s online form or by calling 970-278-9977.

According to the city’s mosquito control page, the seasonal program is funded through the city’s Mosquito Control Enterprise Fund, which is supported by a $0.45-per-month fee on all Loveland dwelling units.