In the past week, while there is no positive West Nile Virus surveillance activity in traps, there has been a significant upswing in flood water and irrigated pasture mosquito populations. These species of mosquitoes hatch off in tremendous numbers even during the day, and appear not to be deterred by mosquito repellents. Neither of these species is an efficient transmitter of West Nile virus, but both can make outside activity miserable. Certain steps can be taken to slow down flood water and irrigated pasture types of mosquitoes, including: 

Only irrigate when it is necessary. Over-irrigating causes small pockets of standing water that can produce these mosquitoes. Treat lawn areas, shrubbery or overgrown vegetation near ditch banks with the product Bifenthrin or Tempo, using an agricultural spray adjuvent or activator mixed with the spray. These products are available at D&B Supply and Steve Regan Co. in Caldwell. Reduce mosquito harborage by mowing vacant fields, lots, ditch banks, pastures and keeping lawns relatively short and not too wet.