City and county commence black fly and mosquito mitigation efforts

The flies and mosquitoes begin their relentless campaign to bother and pilfer blood in the beginning of April, but preparation and mitigation efforts must be framed before that. Catching the pesky insects while they are in the larva phase is critical in order to really combat them. 

The Humboldt County Board of Commissioners and City of Winnemucca City Council met on Sept. 19 for a joint meeting to discuss black fly and mosquito mitigation. The County and City cost share agreement allows the two entities to partner in efforts to tackle both County and City concerns, like annoying insects.

Both the Council and Commissioners approved two agreements from Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) for ground and aerial application, with all members of City Council present and Commissioner Ron Cerri absent.

VDCI works across the country and performs insect mitigation for mostly government and municipalities, according to VDCI officials. Their efforts will include a comprehensive plan that will be specifically tailored to the needs of Humboldt County and will use only the most appropriate chemicals to treat.

According to Jason Williams, VDCI Regional Director, and Jay Sandridge, VDCI Business Development Director, who were both present at the joint meeting, a dedicated VDCI person will likely be stationed in Humboldt County due to the scope of the project. 

Keeping mosquito and blackfly populations low prevents the spread of diseases that can make people sick and allows different departments to track viruses like Zika or West Nile.

Mosquito eggs laid in water hatch within a short period of time. The larvae live in water and continue to develop into pupae that also live in water. The pupae develop into flying mosquitos in a matter of days after and are then ready to breed and lay more eggs. 

VDCI will perform disease tests on the insects that they catch through their surveillance and trapping techniques,as major breeding sites are identified. This will allow VDCI to identify any risks or concerns regarding the insects in Humboldt County. 

Larvicide spraying will be done in only the areas identified and are specific to each site. Targeting insects in the larvae stage is a crucial component of the mitigation process. 

The adulticide will be applied using trucks and special sprayers and is designed to mitigate mosquitos and black flies that are beyond the larvae stage. 

Aerial spraying will be done on a needs-based basis, according to WIlliams and Sandridge, which will influence cost. 

Humboldt County Board of Commissioners Chairman, Jim French, asked if VDCI plans to engage with any local aerial services  and Sandrige explained that VDCI has already been in contact with local services and will utilize their services as needed because they already know the area and have experience. 

According to the cost summary presented by VDCI, the services will be 386,075 dollars annually, but could increase to 494,636.50 dollars if the maximum number of aerial treatments are needed. Sandrige explained that aerial services were not needed previously so the cost is relative to needs. 

Mayor Rich Stone stated that maintaining this service to the community is important and other council members and commissioners agreed. 

“I think this is a service we have to have,” said Stone.