West Des Moines to Spray for Mosquitoes Labor Day Weekend

The city of West Des Moines will be ground spraying or fogging parts of town this weekend with chemicals to control mosquitos, flies and gnats, according to a news release from the city.

Depending on weather conditions, the fogging will take place during the evenings of Thursday, Aug. 30, through Sunday, Sept. 2, in preparation for the Labor Day weekend.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact West Des Moines Public Works Department at 222-3480.

It was one week ago that officials with the Centers for Disease Control said the most cases of West Nile virus ever had been reported.

In West Des Moines, the Public Works Department sprays for mosquitoes close to parks, bike trails and parade routes, and drops pellets in wetlands where mosquitos breed. Because of the dry weather, the city has only had to use make the aerial drops once this year.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito, according to the Iowa Department of Health website. Some people who are infected have minor symptoms like fever and mild headache. Others, however, can develop a life-threatening illness that includes inflammation of the brain.

Last year nine human cases of West Nile virus were confirmed in Iowa and two deaths, according to the Des Moines Register.

The easiest and best way to avoid the virus is to prevent mosquito bites. Here are tips from the CDC:

• When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package.
• Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
• Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.