Wet spring causes mosquito concerns

Crystal R. Albers
Posted 6/26/19

The Town of Lingle will begin spraying for mosquitoes

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Wet spring causes mosquito concerns

Posted

LINGLE – The Town of Lingle will begin spraying for mosquitoes if and when there is evidence of the Culex mosquito – known to carry West Nile Virus – within city limits, Mayor George Siglin announced at a regular meeting June 19.

“Today, Goshen County Weed and Pest was supposed to put the traps out around town,” Siglin said. “If they start catching the mosquito that causes West Nile Virus, we will start spraying.” He added mosquitoes are more prevalent this year due to the wet spring.

Town Maintenance Supervisor Larry Haeffelin and assistant Jeremy Ochsner plan to become certified to spray the chemicals as soon as possible, in case it is needed. 

“We don’t spray unless they find West Nile, because the DDT (a synthetic insecticide) is not good for you (either),” Haeffelin said.

The town acquired a new sprayer last year, in response to Weed and Pests’ announcement their funding for countywide mosquito control had been cut significantly.

An adult in Campbell County, near Gillette, recently contracted the virus, and mosquitoes throughout the state have tested positive for carrying West Nile.

The Wyoming Department of Health (health.wyo.gov) recommends the following steps to prevent West Nile:

n When possible, avoid spending time outside at dawn and dusk.

n Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin.

n Reduce the amount of standing water in or near your property by draining and/or removing it. Mosquitoes may lay eggs in areas with standing water.

n For additional protection from mosquitoes, use an insect repellent containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) or picaridin (KBR 3023). Other insect repellents such as oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are also registered by the (Environmental Protection Agency) but may be less effective than products containing DEET. It is important to follow the product guidelines when using insect repellent.

In other business:

n Sandy Hoehn of the Lodging Tax Board and Goshen County Economic Development Corporation presented mockups of the town’s new sign displaying a map of the area and points of interest in and around Lingle. She asked the town to inform the board of any changes.

“We really appreciate your input, and we’re excited for it to go up,” Hoehn said.

The sign will be located at Whipple Park.

n Police Chief Endra Moen reported 32 incidents, including 20 traffic stops, since the last meeting.

n Pool Manager Brandi Hill stated the facility recently passed a state inspection. The town finalized plans to drain and cover the baby pool.

n Clerk Richard Reyes informed the council town hall’s new computers have arrived. 

n Haeffelin said the new Verizon tower in town is not yet functioning. His department has been working on weeding and cleaning alleys, among other duties.

n Council members approved the third and final reading of a ordinance regarding garbage service rates.

n The council also approved liquor licenses for the following three businesses: Lira’s Restaurant, Ty’s Pit Stop, and Corner Bar.

n The town agreed to appoint Reyes as Clerk and Nakisha Garner as Treasurer, instead of continuing to combine the positions.

n Council member and Lingle-Fort Laramie Lions Club member Paula Newcomb requested the use of Whipple Park and the Lingle Pool for the annual Lions Club Community in the Park, scheduled for Wednesday evening, July 31. The event includes live music, a free-will donation meal provided by the Lingle Volunteer Fire Department, ice cream, and free swimming.

n The next council meeting is Wednesday, July 3 at 7 p.m. at Lingle Town Hall.