Mosquito flight delayed by irrigation

A flight to spray for mosquitoes today has been delayed because most of the fields set for aerial spraying are being irrigated.

Douglas County Mosquito Abatement District Manager Krista Jenkins said they are going to begin aerial spraying for mosquitoes soon, but that until irrigation stops, they are prohibited.

"We can't spray over irrigated fields by state law," she said.

Typically, mosquito spraying is done from one of the district's three trucks, because hiring the aircraft is expensive.

But because this has been such a bad year for mosquitoes, she said they are working with a pilot to start spraing the Valley.

"We were spoiled for 3-4 years when it was dry," she said.

Jenkins said residents can report a mosquito infestation to the district by calling 782-4642, and leaving their name, address and phone number.

She said beekeepers should call the district for tips to help preserve their hives during spraying.