Director’s Corner

West Nile virus has been found in Franklin County and our neighboring Districts! We expect to find evidence of the disease in birds and mosquitoes here in our District again. District residents, please make sure you empty water containers such as pet dishes or flower pots at least once a week to avoid developing mosquitoes in your own yard. Running the filters on pools and spas will prevent these water sources from producing mosquitoes. If you have a pool that you cannot maintain at this time, please contact us. We will take care of the mosquitoes that may be coming from the pool until you are able to maintain it again.

Remember to wear a good repellent when you are outdoors during the times when mosquitoes are most active (generally during the early morning and early evening hours!) ALWAYS read the label and follow the directions of the product you are using. You have options besides DEET! Picaridin and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus are newly registered repellents.

The District has developed a Mosquito Arbovirus Response Plan to address outbreaks of vector-borne diseases such as West Nile virus. We encourage you to read it (you can access it off this website) and let us know if you have concerns. Our in house laboratory completes timely antigen assays for mosquito virus presence so we know when and where it occurs.

Management of mosquito breeding sites includes the principles of integrated mosquito management. Physical control (proper drainage), and cultural control (turn the water off before it stands for more than three days!) are all techniques that can be used by local residents to reduce mosquito populations. District staff is trained to perform biological control (the proper stocking of larvivorous fish) and chemical control (the use of EPA-registered pesticides) to further manage mosquito populations. Together, the district and the community can ensure a safe, healthy environment for all.

If you have any questions regarding our services, please call us at (509) 545-4083. We are here to serve you! Thank you.

David A. Dorsett, Director