CHEYENNE — Despite drought conditions throughout portions of the state, the threat of mosquitoes remains high this year.

Mosquitoes can actuallyy thrive in drought conditions, according to a Weed and Pest report. When habitats dry up, surviving mosquitoes will simply find shelter and wait it out. In addition, the limited stagnant water that is available becomes a concentrated breeding ground for viruses like West Nile because it concentrates mosquitoes and birds (the natural hosts for West Nile virus) in the same area. This could increase the rate of infection in mosquitoes and can result in West Nile virus outbreaks in humans.

If mosquito abatement efforts are successful this year, experts predict an average mosquito season. If the property tax levy is reduced in November, the mosquito population could surge in 2027, along with the West Nile virus.

The mosquito population in Wyoming varies depending on human population, as well as other factors, including geography, temperature and access to abundant food sources. Most cities and towns have their own mosquito abatement programs, which varies greatly across the state. Programs may range from fogging or spraying a neighborhood to conducting more intensive surveillance, viral testing and physical control. 

“There are 59 different entities managing mosquitoes across the state” said Lindsey Woodward, weed and pest coordinator at the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. “Every program is different and is tailored to fit the unique needs of the local area. Some communities may require minimal support, while others may use a large portion of their resources on mosquito control — there is no one-size-fits-all approach to battling mosquitoes.” 

Despite the variety of mosquito programs across the state, there’s one thing they all have in common — the need for property tax funding. Without it, Weed and Pest reports mosquito programs will be dramatically reduced or eliminated in the coming years, which will impact everyone in the state.

“It’s common to become complacent when preventative measures are working,” said Erika Edmiston, district supervisor for the Teton County Weed and Pest District. “Most people don’t see the behind-the-scenes work being done. Without these measures and funding from the property tax levy, the mosquito population will take over the state and the quality of life for citizens will be threatened in the years to come.”

To learn more, visit Wyoming Weed and Pest Council at wyoweed.org.