Bugging us

There is something bugging us about the state’s new idea on protecting mosquitoes.

Having to seek permission to spray for adult mosquitoes after a human being or horse becomes sick from a mosquito-born illness seems … reckless. It would be similar to sending a letter by U.S. mail asking for the fire department’s help while our house is burning. They will get there, but too late to prevent the damage.

Listening to and reading the public comments, it seems clear the majority opposes the new bureaucratic process. Almost all feel it is dangerous to people and without merit.

There is a very small number who want the new process to protect the environment.

But the state has yet to show how the chemicals used to kill adult mosquitoes have done any harm to people, animals or fish. There have yet to be any documented cases of death or injury from the pesticide.

Comments about “destroying the environment” sound scary, but there is no evidence it has. There is no evidence after years of use it has changed the lake environment at all. We think allowing the piling of sediment is more of a threat to the ecosystem.

If the state Department of Ecology wants us to document a threat before we spray, perhaps they will care to do the same sort of thing. Show us how it hurts humans, animals or fish before you change the permitting process. It would be fair.

— Editorial board