PARMA — Culex species mosquitoes in a trap collected on Friday, June 14, southwest of Parma, off Hwy 18 near the Idaho-Oregon border registered “very high West Nile Virus reading, according to Ed Burnett, Director of the Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District.
The trap test results were submitted for confirmation to the Idaho Bureau of Laboratories on Monday, with results Tuesday showing a positive West Nile Virus confirmation.
“This is an early detection of the disease and warm dry summer weather may trigger more West Nile virus activity,” Burnett said.
Nighttime ultra-low volume “fogging” is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday nights to reduce the numbers of Culex species -– the mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus.
Weather permitting, an aerial larvicide treatment and ground applications will be applied to the wetland areas of Roswell marsh and adjacent flooded fields using the mosquito larvae control product Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (better known as BTI).
Experts say, as we enter the warmer summer months and the West Nile Virus “season,” it becomes 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.
•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.
