Mosquito control trucks equipped with GPS so that Fort Collins residents can track progress online

Colorado Mosquito Control trucks are now equipped with GPS capabilities, so that Fort Collins residents can track their locations during mosquito spraying. This added capability is in direct response to residents asking for more specific information about when trucks will be spraying in their neighborhoods, allowing them to keep doors and windows shut for a smaller time window.

Trucks can be tracked in real time at: www.fcgov.com/westnile. The map includes current truck locations, as well as the locations and times of streets the trucks have already traveled.

Seven trucks are equipped with GPS and can be tracked on the City map. Four trucks will spray Zone 1, north of Mulberry Street, Aug. 19, and all will be equipped with GPS.

Ten trucks will spray in Zone 2, south of Mulberry Street, Aug. 15 & 20. Seven of those trucks will be displayed on the City’s GPS map.

Three trucks will spray in the area south of Harmony Road and east of College Avenue, and can be tracked through Colorado Mosquito Control’s GPS map at ftsgps.com. Users can access their map with:
·Username: COMOSQUITO
·Password: nile

Links to both GPS tracking sites are available at www.fcgov.com/westnile.

City to Spray for Mosquitoes Aug. 15, 19 and 20
In accordance with the City’s West Nile Virus Management Policy, the City of Fort Collins will spray for adult mosquitoes beginning at dusk on Aug. 15, 19 and 20. Weather permitting, truck-based fogging will take place:

North of Mulberry Street – Monday, Aug. 19
South of Mulberry Street – Thursday, Aug. 15 & Tuesday, Aug. 20

A map of spray zones is attached and available online at www.fcgov.com/westnile.

The City’s contractor, Colorado Mosquito Control, will use a permethrin-based product to be applied in a fine mist. Spraying will begin at dusk according to the schedule above, and will continue until 2 a.m. the following morning for each application. To minimize pesticide exposure, residents should stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed for 30 to 60 minutes after spraying occurs. It’s recommended that residents bring pets indoors as well. Residents can further minimize pesticide exposure by covering organic gardens, ponds, and water features with a sheet or tarp.

The decision to spray for mosquitos follows the recommendation by Dr. Adrienne LeBailly, Larimer County Department of Health and Environment Director, and a majority recommendation from the City of Fort Collins West Nile Advisory panel.