EVANSTON — Water, water everywhere — and what does that bring? The unmistakable buzz from our nemesis the mosquito. Every year the county strives to control the beast, and every year the mosquito returns. This year, we are seeing high water, which creates more mosquito habitat and thus more mosquitoes. 

County employees have been treating areas where they’ve found mosquito larvae as fast as they can. despite all efforts, though, they can’t get to them all before they mature into biting adult mosquitoes. 

Surveys are showing a potential for an abundance of mosquitoes this summer. Larvae counts are high, and light traps are showing an abundance of adult mosquitoes. 

Timing is critical for application of the adulticide products. Too early, and sprayers could miss some of the newly developing adults. Too late, and the adults that are out now will have more time to lay eggs and start the cycle over again. 

June 19 is the tentative date to start spraying the Evanston area; that project should take two days to finish. Then, from June 21-23, the county plans to spray Bridger Valley. All spraying will take place in the late afternoon. These dates may vary depending on weather conditions. In order to spray effectively, temperatures need to be higher than 50 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind speed of less than 10 mph. 

They will use Permanone 31-67 on the first application, at 1/3 of an ounce to the acre. 

Until then county employees will continue to look for and treat the larvae they find and monitor their light traps. 

To ask questions or share concerns, please call Brad Asay at (307) 783-0436.