RAPID CITY, S.D. – As Rapid City prepares for a surge of holiday visitors, city parks and stormwater drainage crews are ramping up mosquito control efforts to protect public event spaces.

With the Independence Day holiday approaching, city workers have focused their attention on areas hosting large gatherings, including this week’s Real America Birthday Bash celebration in Rapid City. Crews have been actively treating local parks and waterways to mitigate the recent influx of mosquitoes.

“The Parks and Stormwater Drainage crews began placing briquettes around park and drainage areas with standing water starting in May,” said Rapid City Parks Division Manager Scott Anderson.

According to Anderson, the current focus has shifted to targeted spraying in high-traffic event zones. Crews have spent the last two weeks concentrating on the corridor stretching from Founders Park to East Boulevard.

Control efforts are particularly vital given the large crowds expected in Memorial Park, as well as along the Rapid City bike path and greenway areas for the Real America Birthday Bash.

Anderson noted that Rapid City residents can also play a major role in controlling the mosquito population around their own properties.

“The best action residents can take every spring and summer is to get rid of standing water areas around their homes,” Anderson said. “Standing water areas are where mosquitoes can lay their eggs and larvae can grow.”

For personal protection during outdoor holiday activities, Anderson advised residents to use topical repellent products containing DEET and to wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts and pants.

Crews from the Rapid City Parks Division and Stormwater Drainage Division will continue to monitor the situation and spray throughout the summer season.

Residents seeking more information can contact the Parks Division at 605-394-4175.