City of Moorhead: Mosquito Control Information/Methodology
The City of Moorhead's mosquito control methodology/approach toward the aerial application of pesticides balances environmental responsibility and the prevention of serious diseases such as West Nile Virus, which is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. The symptoms of West Nile Virus range from none to deadly. |
Protect Yourself with the Four D's
- Drain: Mosquitoes breed in water. Drain any standing water in your yard each week. Bird baths, clogged gutters, and kiddie pools are common breeding sites.
- Dress: Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors. Spray clothing with insect repellent since mosquitoes may bite through clothing.
- Defend: Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. Use an approved repellent according to its label. Find the repellent that is right for you.
- Dawn/Dusk: Limit time spent outdoors at dusk through dawn, when mosquitoes are most active and feeding.
Cass County Vector Control (the City of Moorhead's mosquito control contractor) utilizes several key metrics to determine its ground spraying schedule and also whether conditions involving the prevalence of West Nile Virus possibly call for aerial spraying. The following information gives a more in-depth look at some of these metrics and how property owners can opt out of spraying. |
Trap Counts
Vector Control uses data from 40 different trap sites in Cass and Clay counties to determine if there is a need to spray for adult mosquitoes. When the threshold is hit, they utilize truck-mounted spraying and, if weather conditions are appropriate, they can recommend aerial spraying as well.
Mosquito Spraying Alerts
In the event that Moorhead decides to spray for mosquitoes, you can sign up for eNotifications.
Check Spraying ScheduleInteractive Mosquito Surveillance & Control Map
The City of Moorhead's mosquito control contractor, Vector Control, has an interactive mosquito surveillance and control map.
Apply To Opt Out Of Spraying
Property owners can request to opt out of spraying operations. To apply, select the Ground Spraying Exemption Request option and enter your address and contact information.
On March 14, the Moorhead City Council approved a one-year contract with Cass County Vector Control (CCVC) to provide mosquito control services to the City of Moorhead.
The services include larva control, sampling, trapping and testing. If West Nile Virus is found in mosquitos, animals or humans in our region, CCVC may recommend to utilize aerial application of pesticides to control the adult mosquito population in the metro area.
If CVCC recommends aerial spraying, Moorhead’s Mayor, City Manager and Public Works Director will decide whether to follow the recommendation. The City of Moorhead’s decision will be based on the presence of West Nile Virus in Cass and Clay counties.
The City of Moorhead will manage communications on mosquito issues from Moorhead residents and will also address Moorhead-specific media requests:
- Moorhead residents can direct questions/concerns to the City by submitting the Mosquito Control Contact Form. This process will allow the City to have greater insight into residents’ questions and determine areas of focus. The City and CCVC will also develop a consistent process for the City to share resident concerns and comments to CVCC.
- If CCVC plans an aerial application, the City of Moorhead will send an e-notification prior to the planned application and explain why Moorhead is or is not participating in the application.