If weather conditions are favorable for effective spraying, the City of Sioux Falls Health Department will be conducting ultra low-volume ground spraying efforts for mosquitoes in targeted areas of Sioux Falls this evening.

Sioux Falls Zones  9, 10, 11, 12, and 20 are scheduled for spraying.

This targeted spray effort is being conducted due to the holiday weekend as well as in response to increased numbers in Culex tarsalis (the encephalitis mosquito) and Aedes vexans (nuisance mosquito) populations.

This evening’s spray will begin at 8 p.m. and will continue until approximately 1 a.m., or until the designated areas are complete. Changing weather conditions may prevent the completion of some areas; any uncompleted zones will be revisited as soon as weather permits. Spray schedule updates, spray maps, and additional information are located on the City’s website at www.siouxfalls.org.

The City uses a product called Scourge (resmethrin), which is designed to break down in the environment quickly and at the very low concentrations used is unlikely to cause adverse health effects in humans or mammals (information can be found at http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/reevaluation/pyrethroids-pyrethrins.html). Residents are not required to relocate, stop activities, or take special precautions during mosquito control spraying. For safety reasons, residents should never deliberately approach or follow spray vehicles. People who want to avoid all exposure to the chemicals can take the precautions indicated on the City’s website. An audible tone and visible signal will precede the marked spray truck.

As always, these spray events cannot prevent all mosquitoes and therefore active measures should be taken individually in order to reduce the risk of West Nile virus. Such measures include wearing DEET or other mosquito repellent, wearing long socks, shoes, and long-sleeved shirts, and eliminating standing water on your property. These steps along with the efforts being put forth by the Sioux Falls Health Department will ensure a safe and enjoyable summer.

For more information, check the City’s website or call the Health Department at 367-8760.

To report on biting or standing water, call the Mosquito Reporting Hotline at 605 367 8799.