Weed and Pest Division provides tips to prevent West Nile Virus

Published on July 16, 2026

An image of a mosquito.

As summer temperatures rise, so does the risk of West Nile virus (WNV) in Cheyenne and across Laramie County. The City of Cheyenne Weed and Pest Division urges residents to take proactive steps to reduce mosquito bites and prevent the spread of this potentially serious illness.

What is West Nile virus?

West Nile Virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While only 1 in 5 infected individuals will experience flu-like symptoms, approximately 1 in 150 will develop severe illness, including neurological complications. On Monday, the Cheyenne Laramie County Public Health Department reported the first local human case of West Nile this season.

More information on West Nile virus is available from the Wyoming Department of Health at: https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/disease/west-nile-virus.

 

Protect Yourself and Your Family

  • DRAIN standing water around your home weekly – check flowerpots, gutters, buckets, birdbaths, and old tires.
  • DRESS in long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
  • DEFEND with EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • DOORS & SCREENS – Make sure your windows and doors have tight-fitting screens without holes.

 

Ultra Low Volume (ULV) Truck Spraying

Weed and Pest will be spraying for adult mosquitoes after sunset across much of Cheyenne. More information on ULV truck spraying can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-control/adulticides.html.

Residents can be advised of spraying through e-mail or text by signing up for notifications at https://connect.cheyennecity.org/weedandpest.

For questions, call Weed and Pest at (307)-637-6475 or e-mail weedandpest@cheyennecity.org.