Mosquito spraying planned in Bingham County
Bingham County will launch an aerial attack on mosquitoes Tuesday.
Due to recent increases in floodwater and vector mosquitoes in some areas, the Bingham County Abatement District will spray approximately 15,451 acres by airplane on Tuesday night. Weather permitting, the spraying will begin around 8:30 p.m. If necessary, the spraying will commence on Thursday or Friday.
The focus of the spraying will be in the Firth area, McTucker Ponds, the Springfield area and portions of the Snake River bottoms southwest of Blackfoot.
The Abatement District will use a twin-engine, fixed-wing airplane using ultra-low volume spray equipment.
A “vector” is a mosquito that can carry and transmit a disease to a host organism. In Idaho that is, generally, West Nile Virus.
The spray itself is targeted to control adult mosquitoes. The product is an EPA-registered pesticide that has been approved for public health application. The district said no special action is required by residents, but people with concerns may desire to remain indoors during the spraying with their windows closed and air conditioners turned off.
Here’s a map of where the spraying is planned. 
On the ground, there are some standard rules of protection against West Nile Virus. They include:
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.
