Sustainability and cost-effectiveness are key components to Wahpeton’s vector control operations. In July, Meyer said $3,000 of Wahpeton’s annual $18,000 allocation for aerial spraying is used to keep permits updated in the event of necessary aerial sprays.
Sustainability and cost-effectiveness are key components to Wahpeton’s vector control operations. In July, Meyer said $3,000 of Wahpeton’s annual $18,000 allocation for aerial spraying is used to keep permits updated in the event of necessary aerial sprays.
The Twin Towns Area’s first snowfall is forecast for Wednesday, Oct. 10. It will follow the return of early morning frost and freezing temperatures. While seeming to signal an early winter, the weather events also serve as a conclusion for the 2018 mosquito season.
West Nile virus, a common condition in summer, was found in some areas of North Dakota this year. There were 173 reported human cases of West Nile between June 2-Sept. 22 according to the North Dakota Department of Health.
Burleigh County, North Dakota, saw 59 reported human cases of West Nile, according to a Tuesday, Oct. 2 report. Richland County, North Dakota, had one reported human case of West Nile during the June-September span.
“More cases were reported out west, toward the Missouri River,” said Josh Meyer, an engineer and appraiser technician with the city of Wahpeton.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports North Dakota came in second nationally for cases of West Nile. Nebraska had 195 cases and North Dakota 171 cases, according to the CDC. Minnesota had 37 cases.
“I think we had successful vector control efforts from Josh and his people,” Mayor Steve Dale said. “I spent a lot of evenings outdoors and didn’t feel there was any mosquito problem at all.”
Richland County and Cass County, North Dakota, were contrasted by the Department of Health. During the same timespan, Richland County had one reported human case of West Nile and three sample sizes (known as “pools”) testing positive for the virus. Cass County had 14 reported human cases and 15 pools testing positive.
Richland County’s mosquito samples tested positive on July 12, July 31 and Aug. 9, Meyer continued.
“Last year, there wasn’t as much mosquito activity because it was a drier year,” he said. “This year saw a little more activity because it was wetter.”
Challenges for Meyer and his staff included reacting to summer rains. Stagnant water and warm temperatures result in good conditions for mosquito breeding.
“I know that in Fargo, there were times with so many positive testing pools, it was thought best to stay indoors. We were never that bad,” Dale added.
Throughout the mosquito control season, Wahpeton did not make major changes to its daily operations. At its peak, ground spraying was performed 2-3 times a week. Aerial spraying never occurred.
“One aerial spray for Wahpeton costs roughly $6,300,” Meyer said. “A ground spray costs $562. We can actually do 11 ground sprays for the cost of one aerial spray.”
Sustainability and cost-effectiveness are key components to Wahpeton’s vector control operations. In July, Meyer said $3,000 of Wahpeton’s annual $18,000 allocation for aerial spraying is used to keep permits updated in the event of necessary aerial sprays.
“The unused $15,000 per year stays in the larger vector control fund and is never spread to other funds,” Daily News Media previously reported.
Residents can learn how to control the mosquito populations in their homes by visiting www.wahpeton.com.
More weather information is available on page A10.
