Mosquito control to conduct aerial spraying in Richland, West Richland

Benton County Mosquito Control will be spraying mosquitoes by aircraft July 17.

The application of the mosquito control pesticide will take place over Richland, West Richland, and areas near Grandview and Mabton beginning at 9 p.m. For a map of the spray area, visit www.mosquitocontrol.org/fogging.

“This is the time of year when disease transmission from mosquitoes to people, birds, and horses is the highest. It is extremely important that people wear repellent when outdoors over the next month,” said Angela Beehler, Benton County Mosquito Control manager.

It only takes one mosquito bite to transmit West Nile virus, which is active in the community, Beehler said. Mosquito samples from three locations in Richland and one location near the Benton-Yakima county line tested positive for the disease this week.

Richland areas that are high risk are W.E. Johnson Park, Leslie Canyon and Badger Mountain Park.

Protect yourself by following the 5 D’s:

▪ Avoid dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

▪ Drain standing water around your property.

▪ Dress in long sleeves and long pants when feasible.

▪ Wear repellent containing DEET or other CDC approved mosquito repellents.

This story was originally published July 15, 2016 at 4:16 PM with the headline "Mosquito control to conduct aerial spraying in Richland, West Richland."