Mosquitoes in three traps collected over the July 4th weekend in Canyon County have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District Director Ed Burnett.
The traps were in various locations in the County; one was in the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, another was located near the Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area in Parma, near the Oregon border, and a third trap was near the Nampa-Caldwell Blvd. and Karcher Road.
Routine mosquito abatement operations will continue throughout the District, officials said.
“Fogging procedures have been taking place in the affected areas and will continue through the rest of the week, starting at sundown, weather permitting,” said Canyon County spokesman Joe Decker.
Larvicide operations by air and by ground crews have been on-going at numerous county locations, he added.
Recent hot temperatures have resulted in a spike in the population of the species of mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus.
Because of persistent hot weather with temperatures near 100 degrees forecast for next several days, experts say it becomes more 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.
