Mosquito district asks Othello for support

OTHELLO — The Adams County Mosquito Control District asked Othello City Council to support them in contesting a proposed state permitting process.

Mosquito Control Officer Tom Haworth said the state Department of Ecology is proposing a permit preventing adult mosquitoes from being sprayed unless they pose a health threat to animals or humans. After July 1, they will no longer be allowed to spray for adult mosquitoes if they are just a nuisance, if the permit is finalized as it is.

He explained Ecology is concerned with an insecticide targeting adult mosquitoes being sprayed and entering the water supply.

Haworth said it is impossible to kill all mosquitoes at the larva stage. The permit does not prevent mosquito districts from spraying for larva. The district sprays at all stages of the mosquito life cycle.

He said if the mosquito permit proposal is passed without changes, nuisance misquotes will be noticeable in town and in places people wouldn’t normally see mosquitoes.

Councilmember Ken Johnson said it appears Ecology needs to have documented proof of an illness or death due to disease carried by the mosquitoes.

“They want birds dropping out of the air,” Haworth said.

Last year three horses contracted West Nile Virus and the disease was document in some pools of water in Adams County, he said.

A person or an animal will have a disease like West Nile Virus for about one month before it is detected.

Mayor Tim Wilson said the council will discuss whether to sign a letter protesting the proposed permitting process at the next meeting.

Council was discussing the issue during a Monday workshop where they do not take action on issues.