An increase in nuisance mosquitoes, including the West Nile virus-carrying Culex tarsalis, has prompted the summer's first citywide spraying from 9 to midnight tonight for Grand Forks and East Grand Forks.
Wednesday's mosquito trap count was only four, but Todd Hanson, mosquito control supervisor for Grand Forks County Public Health, said the number is artificially low because of recent cool temperatures.
"When temperatures fall into the 50s, all insect activity, including mosquitoes, slows down," Hanson said.
The National Weather Service said Wednesday morning's low was 47 degrees.
"On nights where we spray and the temperature drops below 55 degrees, we stop because the spray will not be as effective," Hanson said.
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Generally, the city sprays when the daily trap count reaches 100.
People are urged to take extra precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, such as wearing long sleeves and pants and using repellents if you're outdoors. Make sure your property or surroundings are free of standing water, which is where mosquitoes breed.
The Public Health Department says most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms, but sometimes mild illness results one to two weeks after exposure with symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. People age 50 or older are most at risk.
The mosquito control trucks travel at about 10 mph with a flashing yellow light. Residents may want to go inside just before their area is sprayed and stay inside for 20 to 30 minutes until the aerosol cloud dissipates. Residents should not run, walk or bike directly through the aerosol cloud behind the insecticide sprayer. Anyone who is sensitive to chemicals may want to close their windows during the ground spraying.
Spraying will be suspended if winds blow stronger than 10 mph or if inclement weather develops.
For more information, call (701) 787-8144 or log on to www.gfmosquito.com .
Reach Johnson at (701) 780-1262; (800) 477-6572, ext. 262; or send e-mail to jjohnson2@gfherald.com .
