HERMISTON, Ore.-The West Umatilla Mosquito Control District’s (WUMCD) 2026 Mosquito Control Program is now underway.
The mosquito district, which covers 525 square miles in Western Umatilla County, including Hermiston, Umatilla, Stanfield, and Echo, announced that it started its control program on March 19.
The district plans to target areas of standing water where mosquito larvae thrive with spraying from a helicopter or unmanned aerial vehicle over large bodies of water, and hand spraying in smaller areas.
In areas with large adult mosquito populations, spraying will be done after sunset with truck-mounted, low-volume foggers.
According to the district, aerial spraying will be used to control mosquitoes when trap collections show the need for large-scale spraying, which will be done just after sunset.
Around 45 species of mosquitoes are found in Oregon, with 14 of those species found within the WUMCD, including the common house mosquito that most people are familiar with, and the Culex tarsalis, both of which are targeted as vectors of West Nile Virus.
West Nile Virus is a disease spread by mosquitoes that become infected after feedin on an infected bird, according to the CDC.
People and animals, including horses, can become infected with West Nile by being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms of West Nile Virus include flu-like symptoms, headache, body aches, and occasionally swollen lymph glands or a rash.
The risk of West Nile virus is low but people are encouraged to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites, according to WUMCD.
Tips to protect against West Nile Virus
- Vaccinate your horses against West Nile
- Wear mosquito repellant when outside, especially at dusk and dawn
- Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when in mosquito-infested areas
- Use EPA registered residual insect sprays on horses
- Use mosquito repellant that contains DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, Picaridin or 2-undecanone
- Make sure all windows and screen doors are secure
- Eliminate all standing water on your property
Residents of the mosquito district that are experiencing a mosquito problem can request service online or by calling 541.567.5201.
Those who do not want to have their property sprayed can also call the mosquito control hotline at 567.5201 and ask to be placed on the no-spray list.
