Denise Patton, Sioux Falls Health Program Coordinator, says the city health department will be conducting spraying efforts for mosquitoes this week.

"We are getting into the time of the year when transmission of West Nile virus is so much more at the top of our concern list. Right now we are monitoring the populations that seem to go up and down. With the recent rains we've been getting, there's a lot of standing water in the city and that means a lot of mosquitoes. But the ones we are most concerned about have to be watched much closer now."

Patton says residents can take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

"Obviously if you can stay inside during the peak times (in the evening and early morning hours), that's one way to protect yourself. Dumping water that might be on your property---bird baths, dog dishes and things like that you need to check regularly. We suggest you also apply some sort of insect repellent."

Patton says citizens wanting to report local concerns on mosquitoes or standing water should leave the information on the automated mosquito reporting hotline at 605-367-8799.

The city will be using the product Permanone for spray treatments. Products used by the city of Sioux Falls are designed to break down in the environment quickly and are used at very low concentrations. Permanone is a product approved for use by the EPA in residential areas for adult mosquito control.

 

 

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