HERMISTON — The West Umatilla Mosquito Control District has started implementing its 2021 mosquito control program, according to a press release.

The district serves a 525-square-mile area in western Umatilla County, including the towns of Hermiston, Umatilla, Stanfield and Echo, and will target areas of standing water where mosquito larvae thrive. Large water bodies will be sprayed with a helicopter, while smaller areas will be treated by hand. To control adult mosquitoes, the district plans to make treatments using truck-mounted, ultra-low volume sprayers, which will be done after sunset in areas of the district that have large populations of adult mosquitoes.

In rural areas, the district will begin aerial spraying to control adult mosquitoes when mosquito trap collections indicate the need for large scale spraying. Aerial spraying for adult mosquitoes will be done in the early evening hours just after sunset, the release said.

Of the 45 species of mosquitoes found in Oregon, the district commonly sees 12 species of mosquitoes including two that are possible carriers of West Nile virus.

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the district is continuing to take measures to keep the public and its employees as safe as possible, while achieving its goal of protecting the public from mosquito-borne disease.

If residents do not wish to have their property sprayed, call the district at 541-567-5201 and ask to be placed on the no-spray list.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Vaccinate horses for West Nile virus.

• Wear repellents while outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito-infested areas.

• Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, Picaridin or 2-undecanone, making sure to follow the label directions on the container.

• Use EPA-registered residual insect sprays on horses making sure to follow the label directions on the container.

• Make sure all screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.

• Eliminate all sources of standing water, which act as a breeding ground for biting mosquitoes. This includes flooded fields, birdbaths, unused wading pools and swimming pools, clogged gutters and old tires. If it holds water for seven days, it can produce mosquitoes.

• Stock mosquito fish in water troughs and ornamental ponds. They are available for free at the district office.