A mosquito trap in a Caldwell residential neighborhood has tested positive for the West Nile Virus.\
Officials made the discovery Wednesday morning during a mosquito surveillance. The trap is located in the Ash Street/Montana Street area of Caldwell. It contained 27 Norther House mosquitoes.
“This is the first trap this season located in a residential area that has tested positive for the disease,” said Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District Director Ed Burnett.
“A ground operations team will be dispatched to the area Thursday, to inspect surrounding area storm drains, catch basins, and check house to house locations for active mosquito larvae,” he added.
Night time neighborhood fogging was conducted around the Ash/Montana area Wednesday evening and will likely be continued Thursday evening.
Because this trap was in a residential area, officials say it is important to avoid mosquito bites by following practices known as the “7 D’s”. “Plus, it becomes very important to remember not to over irrigate and let run off irrigation water enter the storm drain system,” Burnett said.
“The Seven D’s” are:
• 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.
