Bingham County has identified 15,393 acres that will be sprayed for mosquitoes by airplane. Weather permitting, the spraying will begin at 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 14. If delayed, the alternate day is Sunday, July 16. The Bingham County Abatement District said the spraying is in response to increases in both flood waters and vector mosquitoes. The treatment areas include the Sterline Wildlife Management Area, McTucker Ponds, the towns of Springfield and Sterling, and portions of the Snake River bottoms. A map outlining the coverage area can be seen here.![]()
The district will use a twin-engine, fixed-wing aircraft with ultra low volume spray equipment. The material to be used to treat adult mosquitoes will be Dibrom, which is an EPA-registered pesticide that has been approved for public health applications. Any people with concerns are advised to remain indoors during the spraying with their windows closed and air conditioners turned off. Questions can be directed to 208-684-5112. To protect against West Nile Virus, people can take the following steps: — 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. — DOOR and window screens should fit tight and be in good repair. This will prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. — DO VACCINATE your horses. Horses are highly susceptible to West Nile virus- approximately half of all horses that get WNV are euthanized. — DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid being outdoors since this is when mosquitoes are most active. — DRESS appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors and mosquitoes are present.
