Mosquito Control

Denver’s Mosquito Management Program uses an approach designed to reduce mosquito breeding sites and larval mosquito survival and provides information and education to residents and business to help them keep mosquito populations at a safe level.

The program focuses on preventing mosquitoes through these activities:

  • Minimize standing water where possible.
  • Survey larval mosquito populations in around 70 sites city-wide, and apply larvicide (kill mosquito larvae) when conditions warrant it.
  • Trap, count, and test adult mosquitoes to monitor for West Nile Virus.
  • Investigate and respond to citizen concerns.

Partners

Partner with neighborhood organizations and other land owners to assist them in controlling mosquitoes.

Our partners include:

Protect yourself from mosquitoes

You can protect yourself and your neighbors from mosquito bites in two ways – elimination of stagnant water and bite prevention. 


Mosquito-Proof Your Home

  • Maintain Screens: Install or repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out.
  • Check for Water Collectors: Regularly inspect and empty any object that can hold water, like flowerpots, saucers, toys, or outdoor décor.
  • Clear Gutters: Keep gutters clean and free-flowing to avoid water buildup.


Remember the 4Ds of mosquito protection:

  • Defend- Use effective insect repellants when you are outdoors. Repellants that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus provide effective protection against mosquitoes. If you are also wearing sunscreen, use the sunscreen first followed by the insect repellant. Apply insect repellant to your clothes in addition to any exposed skin. Always follow the labels instructions when using insect repellants.
  • Dress- Wear closed-toe shoes, long sleeves, and pants to cover as much exposed skin as possible. Loose-fitting clothes are effective at preventing mosquito bites.
  • Drain- Drain any standing water around your property at least once a week to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. Keep your yard clear of debris that can hold water.
  • Dusk & Dawn- Mosquito activity typically peaks at dusk and dawn. To reduce your exposure to mosquitoes, limit any outdoor activities at these times. During the day, mosquitoes tend to linger around cool and shaded areas.

Preventing mosquito breeding sites

Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites

  • Drain Standing Water: At least once a week, remove standing water from containers, tires, birdbaths, pots, saucers, gutters, buckets, and toys.  
  • Avoid Overwatering: Don’t overwater your yard, which can create puddles in turf, storm sewers, and landscaping. 
  • Fix Leaks: Repair leaky faucets and broken sprinkler systems that may create pooling water. 
  • Maintain Water Features: Keep fountains and pools circulating properly, or drain and cover them when not in use. If this isn’t possible, apply larvicide to prevent mosquito development.

West Nile Virus

West Nile virus is a viral infection primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Denver traps and collects adult mosquitoes at five sites across the city to determine if West Nile Virus (WNV) is present in local mosquito populations. The samples are sent for testing to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

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