According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website:

Some mosquitoes are harmful and can spread viruses like West Nile, dengue, Zika, and parasites like malaria. Other mosquitoes bother people and are considered “nuisance” mosquitoes. Nuisance mosquitoes bite people, but don’t spread germs. Of the over 200 types of mosquitoes in the United States and US territories, about 12 types spread germs.

Local government departments and mosquito control professionals track the numbers and types of mosquitoes in an area and the germs they may be spreading. When infected adult mosquitoes are spreading germs to people, acting quickly can stop further spread and prevent people from getting sick. Professionals share prevention information with the public and use multiple methods at the same time to kill mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes.

Everyone Can Help Control Mosquitoes

• Professionals from local government departments or mosquito control districts develop mosquito control plans, perform tasks to control mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes, and evaluate the effectiveness of actions taken.
  • Your local mosquito control program or local health department can provide information about control efforts in your area. Contact information may be found on the Internet.
• You, your neighbors, and the community can also take steps to reduce mosquitoes in and around your home and in your neighborhood.
  • Control mosquitoes outside your home.
  • Control mosquitoes inside your home.

Support Your Local Mosquito Control Programs

Mosquito control activities are most often handled at the local level, such as through county or city government. The type of mosquito control methods used by a program depends on the time of year, the type of mosquitoes to be controlled, and mosquito habitats. Methods can include eliminating mosquito larval habitats, applying larvicides to kill mosquito larvae, or spraying insecticides from trucks or aircraft to kill adult mosquitoes.

Your local mosquito control program can provide information about the type of products being used in your area. Or, check with your local health department for more information. Contact information may be found online or in the blue (government) pages of the phone book.

For more information visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-control/index.html

Protect Yourself by Controlling Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance; they are a major threat to public health. Proven preventative methods effectively control mosquitoes and reduce the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases such as West Nile virus. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing or slow moving water.  In residential areas, standing water can accumulate in unused tires, cans, unused pools and pool covers, and other receptacles that collect water. Mosquitoes can enter homes through unscreened windows or doors, or broken screens. Follow the provided general guidelines to help reduce mosquito populations in your area.  Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property by:

• Removing all discarded tires from your property
• Disposing of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-collecting containers
• Making sure roof gutters drain properly and remember to clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall
• Cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. If not in use, keep empty and covered
• Draining water from pool covers
• Changing the water in bird baths at least every 3 or 4 days
• Turning over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use

Use Insect Repellent Containing DEET

DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is a chemical in repellents that discourages mosquitoes from biting.  It has been available to the public since 1957 and there have been only a handful of toxic exposures when properly used.  Where should you apply DEET - containing repellent?  Read and follow all instructions on the product label before applying.  In general, DEET- containing repellent can be applied to:

• Outer clothing and shoes
• Exposed skin.  Do NOT apply to skin under clothing
• Do NOT apply to cuts, rashes, sunburned skin, or skin conditions such as psoriasis
• Do NOT apply directly to the face.  First put the product on hand, then apply it to the face.  Avoid contact with eyes, nose, and mouth
• Do NOT apply repellent in rooms without ventilation
• Wash treated skin with soap and water upon returning indoors.  Wash treated clothes separately

The Spray Request Form is to request the County to spray an area with a mosquito problem.

Why would someone not want the County to spray for mosquitos near their property?

Examples:

• They grow organic crops
• They have a beekeeping business

Access Form Here

Below is a list of the current chemicals that Carbon County uses for abating mosquitos. All chemicals are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Links to the label and safety data sheet for each chemical have been provided below. Any questions on the chemicals we use should be directed to the Weeds & Mosquito Supervisor.

• Larvicides:
  • Summit BTI Birquettes
  • VectoBac
  • VectoMax
  • Fourstar BTI 45 day & 150 day

• Adulticides:
  • DeltaGard

Can animal still play/drink in water that has been treated?

• Yes 

How do I request for fogging around my property/area or for a special event?

• On the mosquito page on the county website (https://www.carbon.utah.gov/) there is a request form you may fill out, or you can call 1 (435) 636-3270 leave a name, number, address/area, we will make sure to get that area checked out during the day for standing water and fogged at night.

How to identify a gnat from a mosquito?

• The best way to tell a gnat from a mosquito is the way they sit when they aren’t flying. Here is a link to further educate and help you determine. https://www.gopests.com/mosquitoes-vs-gnats/#:~:text=According%20to%20Look%20and%20Learn,But%20mosquitoes%20do%20something%20different. 

Do we spray for Gnats?

• No we do not. The chemical we use is to target the adult mosquitos to help to prevent the spread of diseases.

How long does it take a mosquito to hatch?

• 8-10 days, depending on the temperature of the water this may vary. The warmer the weather/water the fast they hatch. 

When do you fog?

• We fog when adult mosquitos are the most active and that is from dusk to dawn. Our employees start fogging at sunset and go till 12 (Midnight).