West Nile Virus Detected in Benton County
Benton County Mosquito Control regularly traps and tests mosquitoes for West Nile virus. Mosquitoes collected in Prosser and West Richland tested positive for the virus on Tuesday. This is the first indication of disease activity for Benton County this season. "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," says Angela Beehler, Benton County Mosquito Control Manager. It only takes one mosquito bite to transmit the disease. The hot, dry weather conditions provide a perfect environment for the disease to flourish.
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.
To download a map of areas where mosquito samples, positive for West Nile virus, have been collected, please click on this link,WNv Indicator Map.
Do you Know The Risks?
In an effort to increase public awareness and knowledge, the District has put together an informational insert detailing many aspects of mosquito control. To learn more, please click on this link, Know The Risks.
Welcome to the Website for the Benton County Mosquito Control District. Since 1969 we have been providing mosquito control services. We hope that this website answers your questions and increases your knowledge of mosquitoes and mosquito control activities. If you can't find what you're looking for, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for visiting.
The Benton County Mosquito Control District is dedicated to responsibly improving the quality of life and increasing public education in our area. The District accomplishes this by utilizing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. IPM is designed to utilize cost-effective control measures to reduce mosquito populations and the diseases they potentially carry, while being environmentally sensitive.
Communication and cooperation with property owners, residents and governmental agencies are critical components in the effort to reduce mosquito populations. Benton County MCD strives to be open and responsive to our community.