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Officials say Boise River stretch a "hot bed" for West Nile mosquitoes

Posted at 2:05 PM, Jul 28, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-28 19:14:34-04

Two more mosquito surveillance traps located along the Boise River between Middleton and Caldwell have tested positive for West Nile Virus -– bringing to eight the number of positive traps found in Canyon County in recent weeks.

Of the most recent two, one trap was located near Channel Road and River Road and the second trap collected was located near Middleton Road and Boise River bridge.

“This particular stretch of the Boise River -– between Middleton and Caldwell -- has become a ‘hot bed’ for the West Nile virus,” said Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District Director Ed Burnett. “There are a lot of migratory birds in that area, which carry West Nile Virus -– plus, there are a number of pools of standing water, created by the Boise River flood water receding, that become mosquito breeding grounds.”

Hoe temperatures also help mosquitoes flourish.

“We’re in the peak season for mosquitoes right now,” Burnett said.

An aerial spraying treatment was conducted early Friday morning along the particular stretch of the Boise River that has abatement officials concerned. Crews sprayed along the river between the Middleton Road Bridge and the Highway 30 “Old Bridge.”

“Routine mosquito abatement operations are ongoing throughout the District by ground larvicide crews and larvicide operations by air. Ultra-Low Volume (“fogging”) by truck-mounted ULV equipment will continue to be the District’s response to elevated species,” Burnett said.

Because of hot weather expected for the next several weeks, experts say it is very important to avoid mosquito bites by following practices known as the “7 D’s”.  

  • DRAIN any standing water on your property that may cause mosquitos and remember:  Do Not Over Irrigate.

  • DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid outdoors.

  • DRESS appropriately by wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants when outdoors.

  • DEFEND yourself against mosquitoes by using an insect repellant using the active ingredients of either DEET, Picaridin or Lemon Eucalyptus. Mosquito repellant is the number one defense to prevent getting bitten by an infected mosquito.

  • DOOR and window screens should be in good conditions to prevent mosquitos form entering your home.

  • DISTRICT personnel are here to help address mosquito problems that you may be experiencing.