The Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District will conduct an aerial mosquito-control application Sunday evening to address elevated West Nile virus activity across the Treasure Valley. The treatment, set for 8:30 p.m. to midnight, will target the Boise River corridor and surrounding communities, covering approximately 46,545 acres in multiple Canyon County jurisdictions.
A twin-engine aircraft will dispense Dibrom Concentrate at a rate of 0.67 ounces per acre at an altitude of roughly 300 feet. The spray zone encompasses communities including Parma, Roswell, Notus, Greenleaf, Caldwell, Middleton, and Star. The product is labeled for application over both urban and agricultural areas, and district officials indicate no special precautions are required for residents within the treatment zone.
Response to West Nile Virus Increase
Heightened West Nile virus detection in the region prompted the district to schedule the aerial operation. Jim Lunders, director of the Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District, emphasized personal vigilance: “With the increased risk of West Nile virus, we encourage people to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites.”, as first reported by the Idaho Press
The district will continue its ongoing larval and adult mosquito-control applications throughout the county alongside the aerial treatment. Should weather conditions prevent the Sunday spray, district officials have scheduled a backup application for the next available evening.
Related Mosquito Management Efforts
This aerial spray follows ongoing aerial treatment efforts over the Boise River Valley as part of the district’s comprehensive mosquito-control strategy. The timing comes as the region prepares for the final weeks of peak mosquito season in late summer and early fall, when West Nile transmission risk typically remains elevated.
Residents in the spray zone who wish to minimize exposure can close windows and doors during the application window or remain indoors. The Dibrom Concentrate product breaks down rapidly in sunlight and does not persist in the environment, according to product labeling information.
Mosquito Prevention Tips
Beyond the district’s aerial efforts, residents can reduce mosquito-breeding habitat around their homes by eliminating standing water in yards, birdbaths, and gutters. Using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when outdoors—particularly during dawn and dusk hours—provides additional protection. Wearing light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and pants further reduces mosquito exposure.
West Nile virus can cause serious illness, though many infected individuals remain asymptomatic. Symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue. Severe cases can result in neurological complications. Those experiencing concerning symptoms following potential mosquito exposure should contact their healthcare provider.
For updates on the aerial spray or ongoing district operations, Canyon County residents can contact the Mosquito Abatement District directly or monitor local news resources for weather-related changes to the Sunday schedule.