Crews from the Grand River Mosquito Control District are already treating sites as they brace for increased spring runoff expected bring to more water and mosquitoes.

“It’s going to be an active season, and we are doing all we can to get ahead of it,” said Tim Moore, manager of the Grand River Mosquito Control District.

With snowpack in the Colorado basin at 150 percent of average, increased spring runoff likely will bring more water to the Grand Valley and more places for mosquitoes to breed, Moore said. Mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs at a time in as little as a quarter inch of water.

“Our community needs to be prepared for rising water and what lies ahead. We currently have a team of 19 field technicians that will be treating more than 2,500 properties across the valley. But we truly need all the help we can get to prevent additional breeding sites.”

Moore said problems with mosquitoes can be avoided by disposing of old tires, clearing roof gutters of debris and repairing leaking outdoor faucets. Water in pet dishes and bird baths should be changed frequently.

“Encouraging your friends 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.”

In addition to draining standing water, Moore said it’s important for people to remember the other two Ds of mosquito awareness — dress and defend.

People who are outside when mosquitoes are active should wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

It’s important as well to apply a mosquito repellent to clothing and bare skin, he said. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 have been shown to be effective.

For more information about the Grand River Mosquito Control District and mosquito control measures, visit https://fightthebitegj.com.