Spraying Begins In Boulder County To Prevent West Nile Spread
LONGMONT, Colo. (CBS4)- Trucks have begun spraying for mosquitoes in Boulder County to prevent the spread of West Nile. It's the first time in five years that spraying has been ordered.
This year 14 out of 33 mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile in Boulder County. The county has already begun spraying for mosquitoes in marshy and wet areas.
Starting at 9 p.m. Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday Colorado Mosquito Control will use truck-mounted sprayers and spray the air along every street with the pesticide Permethrin. It will kill mosquitoes on contact and it will eliminate the threat of West Nile.
With the pesticide being sprayed in the air, we asked a Boulder County Public Health spokesperson is there is a concern for people or pets coming into contact with or inhaling this pesticide.
"It is toxic to mosquitoes. It has a very low toxicity to humans and mammals at the application rate we apply it at which is a very small amount. The technology of ultra low volume which produces a very small particle and a fine mist at about 20 microns in size, the risk to humans and animals is minimal," said Boulder County Public Health spokesman Michael Lipps.
Those who live in Longmont and are concerned about the spraying are advised to stay inside and keep windows and doors closed.
The City of Longmont plans to spray again Monday from 9 p.m. until Tuesday at 2 a.m.
