Efforts are under way fight the bite in the Grand Valley.

Crews with the Grand River Mosquito Control District are treating areas of standing water where the largest populations of mosquito larvae have been found.

“Staying ahead of the potential problem is critical,” said Tim Moore, manager of the Grand River Mosquito Control District. “We have a crew of 18 seasonal field technicians actively working to combat the larvae before the mosquitos mature into flying adults.”

The district treats more than 2,500 private properties and 10,000 mosquito breeding sites as well as public open spaces in the Grand Valley. In Grand Junction, the mosquito season runs from May to October.

Nearly 50 mosquito species are found in Colorado.

“The most dangerous variety is the Culex mosquito,” Moore said. “They can transmit the deadly West Nile Virus to humans, birds, farm animals, dogs, cats and even other mosquitos”

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, 631 people were infected with West Nile Virus and 50 people died in 2023. Fifteen cases of West Nile Virus were reported in Mesa County.

Moore said individuals can join in the fight against the bite by draining standing water on their properties. That includes clearing gutters of debris, discarding old ties, cleaning pet water dishes and bird baths and repairing leaky outdoor faucets.

“Encouraging your friend and neighbors to also eliminate sources on their own property is critical to a community wide control program,” he said. “Mosquitoes require water to complete their life cycle. If their water source is eliminated, so are their offspring.”