Bingham County spraying in response to local West Nile outbreak
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BLACKFOOT — In response to recent West Nile Virus positive mosquito pools detected in Bingham County, the Bingham County Mosquito Abatement District will be spraying approximately 15,396 acres by airplane beginning at 8:30 p.m. Sunday evening. If bad weather interferes the alternative spray day is Monday, according to a Bingham County news release.
Areas to be treated include the Sterling Wildlife Management Area, McTucker Ponds, the towns of Springfield and Sterling and portions of the Snake River bottoms.
Treatments will be made with a twin-engine, fixed-wing aircraft fitted with ultra low volume spray equipment. The material being used to control the adult mosquitoes, Dibrom, will be applied at a rate of 0.5 fluid ounces per acre. The product to be applied is an EPA-registered pesticide approved for public health applications. Although no special action is required by residents within the treatment areas, any residents with concerns can take the added precautions of remaining indoors during the spray event, with their windows closed and their air conditioners turned off.
Residents with questions can call Vector Disease Control International, an organization assisting with mosquito abatement at (208) 684-5112.
Residents are urged to take the following precautions to protect themselves from West Nile virus:
- Defend yourself against mosquitoes by using a repellent with an effective ingredient such as Deet, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Make sure to follow label directions.
- Drain all sources of standing water that may support mosquito-breeding habitats.
