The Ada County Mosquito Abatement District (ACMAD) will conduct aerial applications to control adult mosquitoes due to the presence of West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes collected throughout Ada County in 2021. Applications via twin-engine aircraft will begin next week in South Meridian/Kuna and West Eagle/Star, weather permitting. Additional details regarding timing and locations will follow as they are finalized.
West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites and in some cases can cause severe symptoms. While ACMAD’s ongoing larvicide and adulticide operations are effective in controlling mosquitoes, the prevalence of WNV in mosquitoes trapped by ACMAD surveillance crews throughout the county poses a serious threat to human health.
Flights to conduct the aerial application will run late in the evening. To treat populations of flying mosquitoes, a twin-engine aircraft will apply the product Dibrom® Concentrate from an altitude of 300 feet, and at a rate of 0.6 ounces per acre. Dibrom® Concentrate is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and it is specifically developed and rigorously tested for use in heavily-populated areas. The product is extremely effective at controlling mosquitoes, is not harmful to humans or pets, and dissipates quickly. Because the applications will take place in the evening, they will not harm beneficial pollinators. For those with home gardens, it is recommended to simply rinse produce as you normally would before consumption.
Detailed information about the aerial application will be made available on the Ada County Weed, Pest and Mosquito Abatement website.
Additional information about the product used for aerial mosquito control applications can be found on the Dibrom® Concentrate product page. To follow the current mosquito activity, check out the Mosquito Tracker map on the Weed, Pest & Mosquito Abatement website.