September brought a spike in college, high school and professional football games.

It also gave Marshalltown area residents a spike in the mosquito population as warm temperatures mixed with heavy rains produced ideal breeding conditions.

That was no secret to residents who had been outside and noticed mosquitoes on the prowl.

Helping alleviate the swarms recently was the city’s spraying of insecticide late evening Sept. 18, Marshalltown Public Works Director Justin Nickel said. Aiding the effort was the onset of strong winds Thursday followed by a cold front.

“We were grateful for a $2,000 donation from JBS-Marshalltown and the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1149 to purchase insecticide for use earlier this week,” Nickel said. “Over the years both have been extremely generous with donations to the city for insecticide purchase. Their recent donation will allow residents the opportunity to be outside as cooler weather prevails.”

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Contact Mike Donahey at 641-753-6611, or mdonahey@timesrepublican.com