City Of Arvada Advises Mosquito Management

ARVADA, CO — Neither the City of Arvada nor Jefferson County Public Health have a mosquito control program; however, officials are suggesting residents take some precautionary measures to keep mosquito populations at bay this summer. Many rainstorms have hit Arvada over the past few months, increasing the number of mosquitoes in the area.

Even the smallest containers like coffee and soda cans can hold enough water for mosquitoes to lay eggs, officials said. Thoroughly inspect all areas around your home and work for standing water and drain or empty all standing water.

The city recommends the following actions:

• Drain water where mosquitoes can breed, including flower pot trays, bird baths, wheel barrows, plugged gutters and toys. This can reduce the number of mosquitoes hatch significantly
• Install or repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out

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Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing during evening and early morning, the city said. Dress in long sleeves and pants during dusk and dawn or in areas where mosquitoes are active. Wearing light-colored clothing may also help prevent being bitten.

The city also recommends using DEET, Picariden or oil of lemon eucalyptus, with the following precautions:

• Follow label instructions
• Apply repellants to exposed skin and/or clothing.
• Never use repellants over cuts, wounds or irritated skin
• If using DEET, choose the concentration that best fits the amount of time spent outside: 25 percent of DEET lasts up to five hours, 5 percent lasts 45-90 minutes. Use a concentration of 30 percent or less for children.
• DEET should not be used on children less than 6 months of age. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children less than 3 years of age.