The Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District was organized in 1924 under the state law passed by the Utah State Legislature in 1923. It is a Special District. The governing power is vested in a Board of Trustees, consisting of five members, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The Board of Trustees establishes all policies of the District. The Board of Trustees hires a Manager that runs the daily operation. District employees are certified as non-commercial pesticide applicators through the State of Utah Department of Agriculture
Employees are constantly inspecting, treating, and draining nuisance areas, in the 111 square miles that comprise Salt Lake City. Most mosquitoes are produced in the wetlands northwest of the SLC International Airport; however, there are many potential habitats around homes and in the city that can produce mosquitoes. These include ornamental ponds, treeholes, gutters, and catch basins. The District also monitors adult mosquito populations throughout the city by using a variety of trapping devices. The District tests captured mosquitoes for a number of diseases including West Nile virus, Western equine encephalitis, and St. Louis encephalitis.
Simple Things You Can Do Around The Home To Reduce Mosquito Production
1. Empty all containers that hold water, such as, buckets, cans, used tires, wading pools and other water containers.
2. Check rain gutters and downspouts. Keep them free of any debris.
3. Keep street gutters free of leaves and grass clippings.
4. If you have trees with holes call the District.