Vector control already underway to battle mosquitoes
By Scott Ford
Argus Observer
Thursday, June 4, 2009 9:58 AM PDT
PAYETTE — Summer is here and that means along with hot temperatures, American Legion baseball and fairs, mosquitoes will be out in force.
And that fact means area residents will once again face the threat of West Nile virus.
In Payette County, the Vector Disease Center company is already on top of the mosquito West Nile virus issue. Annabel Martinez of the company — contracted by the Payette County Abatement District to attack the mosquito challenge — said the work has started with night foggings, larva sightings, barrier treatments on adult mosquitoes and mosquito surveillance.
The mosquito surveillance is the service that will allow the Vector Disease Center to determine if the West Nile virus is in any of the mosquitoes in this area.
“We trap the mosquitoes and test them for the virus. We look of a certain mosquito that carries the disease,” Martinez said.
Martinez said the public and help in the cause as well.
“mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, such as irrigation ditches, bird baths, old tires and such,” Martinez said. “If people will eliminate those water sources from around their property, it would reduce the mosquito population around their home.”
With the night fogging, the residents do not have to be concerned about the mist that is being sprayed unless a person is chemically sensitive or may have respiratory problems, and in those cases, Martinez said to avoid the area sprayed for a couple of hours.
“If some had a non-registered organic farm, such as a bee farm or just even a small bee colony they do not want threatened they should call Vector Disease Center and let them know so the fogging application will not be dispensed around that area.
“We have a list of all the registered organic farms, but not all organic farms are registered,” Martinez said.
Vector Disease Center will also cater to the individual or business for special events, such as outdoor weddings or functions.
“We can come in and do a barrier treatment before the event and that will help a great deal with keeping the mosquitoes from infesting the function.” Martinez said. “The barrier treatments typically will last from two to three weeks, but the weather can change its effect as well. Rain will wash the product away, causing the barrier not to last as long.” For any questions or concerns, contact the Vector Disease Center at (208) 278-2493, or visit the business at 325 Holly St. in New Plymouth.
