The Great Flood of 2004
The news this week has been full of stories about the “Great Flood of
2004,” which filled our local rivers and streams to full-bank levels.
Along with this, the storms bring potential backyard egg-laying sites
for the container-breeding mosquito, Culex pipiens.
Prior to the rains, the populations of this species of mosquito, known
to carry the West Nile virus (WNV), had been relatively high in many
of the urban and suburban areas of the Front Range. With so many
backyard containers now filled with water after the rains, the
potential is high for a significant spike in these mosquito
populations over the next couple weeks - and thus, a significant
potential increased risk of WNV infection in the Front Range
communities.
We strongly recommend that all residents check and drain all yard
items that might contain standing water from recent storms. Everything
from children’s toys and boats to flower pots, rain gutters, and
birdbaths are likely to become habitat for mosquito larvae this week
if steps aren’t taken to empty these vessels.
The graph below shows the trend in Culex pipien mosquito activity from
May through August 8th. It illustrates the increase in mosquito
activity throughout the summer, and emphasizes the fact that the
mosquito season is not over yet.
With this in mind, public health officials urge Boulder County
residents to check their properties for any containers holding
standing water and to remove the water or the containers altogether.
Removing water from children’s toys, wading pools, sandboxes, and tire
swings, as well as removing leaves and debris from rain gutters and
eaves and keeping bushes and shrubs trimmed will help to reduce the
risk of providing breeding areas for the West Nile virus-carrying
mosquito.
Don’t forget to practice the additional 3D's along with
property maintenance:
- DEET – use DEET-enhanced insect repellant.
- Dress – dress in long sleeves and pants.
- Dusk to Dawn – avoid the outdoors from dusk until dawn.
For more information about West Nile virus, mosquito activity in
Boulder County, or steps to take to protect yourself and loved ones:
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