FAQ

How do you control mosquitoes in Teton County?

How do you know where the mosquitoes develop?

What products do you use to control adult mosquitoes?

How do you determine where and when to spray for adult mosquitoes?

You said you were going to spray for adult mosquitoes in my neighborhood, but didn’t come.  What happened?

How many different kinds of mosquitoes are found in Teton County?

Is West Nile virus present in Teton County?

Why does the mosquito plane fly so low?

Why does the plane fly over my neighborhood so many times?

What does Mosquito Abatement do in the winter?

How do you control mosquitoes in Teton County?

90% of our time is spent applying a biorational pesticide to control mosquito larvae.  We apply a bacterial protein to standing water where mosquito eggs have hatched.  As the larvae filter feed in the water column they ingest the protein (which is activated by conditions in the mosquito’s digestive tract and perforates the gut wall) and gradually die.  Sometimes, in areas where we have missed a brood of mosquitoes or cannot access the larval development sites due to National Park or Forest restrictions, we apply adulticides by truck-mounted ULV (ultra low volume) sprayers.  When large areas require treatment we contract with an aerial applicator that specializes in mosquito control.

How do you know where the mosquitoes develop?

We have many seasons of larval surveillance data from sampling snow pools, marshes, willow bottoms, floodplains, and irrigated pastures and hayfields.  However, we are always interested in discovering additional sites.  If you know of an area that might be producing mosquitoes, let us know about it using the Service Request option or contact us by phone, 733-1896.

What products do you use to control adult mosquitoes?

TCMA uses both natural and synthetic pyrethrum products.  These insecticidal compounds are either harvested directly from or based upon substances in the chrysanthemum plant.  Please see our Labels section for more information or contact us with specific questions.

How do you determine where and when to spray for adult mosquitoes?

We have an extensive network of fixed and mobile adult mosquito traps.  We use this data along with results of our disease surveillance program to determine the need and scheduling of adult spraying.

You said you were going to spray for adult mosquitoes in my neighborhood, but didn’t come.  What happened?

Our ability to spray is limited by local weather conditions.  Besides a lack of precipitation, the wind speed and temperature have to be appropriate in the window of time where our target species is/are most active.  If the conditions are not favorable for spraying, we will wait and try again at the next appropriate opportunity, usually the following evening.

How many different kinds of mosquitoes are found in Teton County?

We have currently identified 39 different species of mosquitoes in Teton Co.

Is West Nile virus (WNv) present in Teton County?

West Nile virus has been found in Wyoming since its spread across the country and arrival in this state in 2002.  Official WNv results for Teton County include: 1 positive horse each in 2002 and 2005, 1 positive bird in 2004, and 2 positive mosquito samples in 2007.  See our West Nile Page.  

Although research is still underway to elucidate the details of the virus’ cycle in North America, the virus has become part of our ecosystem and will likely cycle in severity from year to year, much like other mosquito borne diseases, namely; Western Equine or St. Louis Encephalitis.

Why does the mosquito plane fly so low?

Adult mosquito control product labels require that we apply them at 100-300 feet above ground level.

Why does the plane fly over my neighborhood so many times?

Our contractor’s plane is equipped with several instruments that help him apply as accurately as possible.  These include a GPS receiver, onboard wind speed and direction sensors, and sophisticated software which calculates where the pilot needs to release the product in the current conditions to get the spray to the area above the ground where it is needed.  The pilot has to fly through that area in order to gather that information.  When conditions are variable, as is often the case in this valley, this may require several passes or waiting until the conditions stabilize.

What does Mosquito Abatement do in the winter?

The slower pace of the winter season allows us to catch up on the activities that we lack time for in the summer.  These include: analyzing surveillance and control data, updating GIS maps, performing resistance testing, repairing and maintaining equipment, performing water management activities, preparing reports for cooperating agencies, applying for permits, pursuing continuing education, presenting at state, regional and national conferences, updating and delivering educational materials and programs, recruiting and hiring for the next season, pre-treating outlying sites.  This is also the time of year when using vacation time is encouraged.