City Prepares for Mosquitoes With Proactive Efforts

Published on June 04, 2025

The City of Sioux Falls Mosquito Control Program limits the number of harmful mosquitoes that spread viruses like West Nile. Efforts typically ramp up in early June and wrap up by October when the weather turns colder.

The City starts proactive efforts in the spring by checking water and treating it to prevent larvae from hatching. About 20 seasonal employees support the Mosquito Control Program, separated into three crews: trap, lab, and spray. The employees of the trap crew will check over 20 traps all over the city and return specimens to the lab crew, who identify and separate them for analysis. When we reach a certain threshold, the spray crew will strategically spray appropriate areas of the city to reduce mosquito populations and lower the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.

“South Dakota is one of the highest per capita for West Nile virus in the nation, so that’s why our Mosquito Control Program is so important,” said Jaimie Roggenbauer, Public Health Program Manager. “We are committed to promoting and protecting the public health of the community through this program’s efforts.”

Community members can sign up for text alerts to be notified when the City is spraying in their neighborhood. Text the word “SPRAY” to 888-777 to receive alerts. The City sprays between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. when necessary.

In addition to signing up for alerts, community members should do their part by preventing or mitigating mosquitoes on their property by maintaining their backyards and clearing standing water. They should also replace birdbath water often to prevent a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Those outside between dusk and dawn should wear long, loose, light-colored clothing and bug repellant with DEET.

You can find more information on the Mosquito Control Program at siouxfalls.gov/mosquito.