Pass the bug spray: Mosquitoes take flight in Jefferson County

Three things are inevitable in Montana summers: sunshine, lasting memories and mosquito bites.

Mosquitoes are especially prevalent in Jefferson County this time of year – so much so that, in Boulder, an independently funded mosquito district was created specifically to keep the pests under control.   

Jill Allen, director of Jefferson County Mosquito District #1 for six years and Jefferson County Noxious Weed Coordinator for 13 years, said the area around Boulder is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes due to the many bodies of water and flood irrigated fields – and this year has been one of the worst for the winged fiends due to the persistent, heavy rainfall.