Mosquito control measures must be cost effective and environmentally sound. Consider alternatives before application of conventional chemical insecticides. Habitat Modification Eliminating breeding sites, or habitat modification, is an effective and long-term solution. Sites can be drained or removed. Mosquitoes can breed in important wetlands, so habitat modification may not always be an option.
Irrigated agriculture is widespread in Colorado and irrigation systems can be sources of mosquitoes.
Farm impoundments, seepage from irrigation pipe, standing water in control structures, irrigated pastures and clogged ditches are all potential mosquito breeding areas. Fill or drain water-holding areas, and fill or deepen shallow areas preferred by mosquito larvae. Natural Predators Fish, dragonfly nymphs and diving beetles are natural predators of mosquito larvae, while dragonflies, birds and bats feed on adults. Gambusia feed on many kinds of insect larvae, but prefer wrigglers and other top feeders. Although Gambusia are not used extensively in Colorado, some strains can survive our climate and become effective long-term controls of mosquito larvae in some habitats.