The Williston Vector Control District has been conducting larvicide treatments since mid-May and adulticide treatments since mid-June to help keep the mosquito population at a tolerable level. However, increased moisture over the past few weeks, among other factors, has contributed to above-average populations in Williston. In response to this increase, the Williston Vector Control District is adopting a weekly ground adulticide treatment schedule for Williston area spray blocks. Beginning July 11, Ground fogging will take place on Monday and Thursday evenings near sunset, as weather and conditions permit. Exact spray blocks will be determined based on trap counts and observations. Aerial adulticide treatments will be scheduled as needed to supplement the ground treatments.
Epping, Grenora, Ray, and Trenton will continue to be assessed and treatments scheduled as needed. Areas located outside of spray blocks will be addressed on a case-by-case basis as Vector Control does not conduct adulticide treatments for individual residences or neighborhoods located in otherwise generally unpopulated areas. These areas typically receive larvicide treatments, which contribute to the County-wide mosquito management strategy by reducing the population before they become adults. Adult mosquitos can fly more than 10 miles in a 24 hour period, so it is important to target and reduce the larval population in all areas within its potential flight range. Please note that the Williston Vector Control District is operating with limited seasonal and contract staff, but they are diligently working within their means to fulfill the mission of Vector Control.
How can you help at home? Take extra precautions when spending time outdoors during the hours of dusk to dawn. Wearing long sleeve tight knit shirts and long pants in combination with a mosquito repellent such as DEET, Picardin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus can go a long way to prevent bites. You can also help prevent mosquito re-population by eliminating standing water on your property.
Oh, and before we forget, the U.S. Air Force Reserve is not scheduled to conduct vector control operations this summer (we’re sad, too). We’re at the mercy of their schedule and their regulations and it hasn’t worked out for this year, but plans for 2023 are already in place. Their help is greatly welcomed, but please know that they account for just a small portion of what the Vector Control staff does on a daily basis to mitigate the mosquito population.
For more information and a map of the WVCD Spray Blocks, please refer to the Spray Notices webpage.