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1591 Park Road
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Senior Center
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Web Site
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TO:
Mayor & City Council
FROM: Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
DATE:
September 18, 2002
SUB J:
Presentation on Metropolitan Mosquito Control District
Services, Jim Stark, Public Information Manager
Jim Stark from the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District will be present on
Monday evening to give the Council an overview of the services they provide.
Attached is information from their web site and a Letter to the Editor from Todd
Hoffman, Park & Recreation Director concerning mosquito control in
Chanhassen.
The City of Chanhassen ' g arowino community with clean iak~c oualitv schools a cha.rmino n,,-, ,, ~ ,,,
b~ nu ....windina
h~2 difn! n"rk~, ~ nr:q2t ni2r¢ tn live. work. and
Metropolitan Mosquito Control District Information Page Page 1 of 2
Metropolitan
Mosquito
Control
District
The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) provides a variety of services to 2.5 million
people living in an area covering 2,600 square miles in the seven county Minneapolis and St. Paul,
Minnesota metropolitan area.
Services include:
· Survey for and control mosquitoes that transmit human diseases,
· Monitor deer tick populations and provide public education regarding Lyme and other tick-
borne diseases,
· Survey for and control nuisance causing mosquitoes, biting gnats, and mosquitoes that
transmit dog heart'worm,
· Public education regarding all aspects of District programs, with emphasis on ways to
reduce risk of mosquito and tick-borne diseases.
MMCD is governed by a board of 17 elected county commissioners, each representing their
respective county boards in setting yearly budgets, developing policy and overseeing district
operations.
District activities are reviewed for technical competence and environmental safety by a technical
advisory board. The board is composed of scientists, representatives from other public agencies,
and other technical experts.
MMCD is funded by property taxes. In 2002, District programs are expected to cost the owner of
a typical $150,000 home an average of $7.75.
Directions to MMCD Main Office
Reports
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Adult Mosquito Control Treatments in the Metro area Page 1 of 4
Helicopter Treatments in the Metro area
(Daily updates around 4 p.m.)
Mosquito control helicopter treatments have concluded for the season
Helicopters apply a dry granule containing a natural soil bacterium to wetlands to prevent larval
mosquitoes from becoming biting adults. This is a biorational control material which specifically .
targets mosquito larvae and poses no risk to human or animal health. MMCD HELICOPTERS
DO NOT SPRAY INSECTICIDES TO CONTROL ADULT MOSQUITOES.
Adult mosquito control in the Metro area
(Daily updates around 4 p.m.)
The following adult mosquito control treatments are scheduled (weather permitting) in the seven-
county Twin Cities metro area Tuesday evening, September 17 through Wednesday, September
18 during the day:
ANOKA COUNTY
There are no adult mosquito control treatments scheduled in Anoka County at this time
CARVER COUNTY
There are no adult mosquito control treatments scheduled in Carver County at this time
DAKOTA COUNTY
Burnsville: Tuesday evening: Streets within a half mile radius of Oakland Drive; Streets within a half
mile radius of the intersection of Burnsville Parkway and 136th St W; Streets within a half mile radius
of intersection of Great Oaks Drive and Co Road 11
Adult Mosquito Control Treatments in the Metro area Page 2 of 4
HENNEPIN COUNTY
Champlin: Tuesday evening: Streets west of Hwy 169
Columbia Heights: Tuesday evening: 40th Ave and 6th Street; 50th Ave and Central Ave; 46 1/2 Ave
and Central Ave; 53rd Ave and University Ave
Corcoran: Wednesday day: Woods west of Eagle Ridge Road north of Co Road 50; 23800 block of
Chestnut Drive extension of Bell Street
Edina: Tuesday evening: All streets northof Hwy 62. Wednesday day: All woodlots north of Hwy 62
Greenfield: Tuesday evening: Streets south of City Hall, north of Hwy 55, along Greenfield Road
Hopkins: Tuesday evening: All streets south of Hwy 7
Independence: Tuesday evening: All streets. Wednesday day: All woodlots west of Co Road 90
Loretto: Tuesday evening: City streets in Loretto
Medina: Wednesday day: Woods west of Mohawk Drive and surrounding Lost Horse Road; Woods
west of Willow Drive and north of Hwy 55; Woods west of Shoreview Trail and north of Hwy 55
Minnetonka: Wednesday day: Cedar Lake Road woodlots
Orono: Wednesday day: Woodlots off of Tanglewood Road; Woodlots off Orono Lane; Woodlots off
of Jacobs Mill Road; West Branch Road woodlots
Osseo: Tuesday evening: Osseo city streets
St. Louis Park: Tuesday evening: All streets south of Cedar Lake Road. Wednesday day: All woodlots
south of Minnetonka Blvd; Woodlots west of Bass Lake Road
Shorewood: Wednesday day: Woodlots off of Noble Road; Freeman Park
RAMSEY COUNTY
MMCD is now treating selected small woodlots with hand-held and backpack sprayers, and larger areas
with truck mounted sprayers around dusk as weather permits in the following Ramsey County
communities this week:
White Bear Lake; White Bear Township; Gem Lake; Vadnais Heights; St. Paul, Roseville, and southern
Shoreview
Specific areas of treatment are as follows:
St. Paul: Tuesday evening: Battle Creek Park; Mounds Park/Pigs Eye area
Adult Mosquito Control Treatments in the Metro area Page 3 of 4
Roseville/Shoreview: Tuesday evening: Areas between Co Road E and Co Road C, and Between
Lexington and Dale
White Bear Lake/White Bear Township: Tuesday evening: Residential streets in the city and the
township
SCOTT COUNTY
Belle Plaine: Tuesday evening: Parks and streets within Belle Plaine city limits
Elko: Tuesday evening: All streets in the city of Elko; Revere Ave; Jonquil Ave
Jordan: Tuesday evening: Parks and streets within Jordan city limits
New Prague: Wednesday day: Lanford Ave; East Cedar Lake Drive
Prior Lake: Tuesday evening: Lake Ridge Drive. Wedensday day: 190th St E
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Treatments are now taking place in small woodlots with hand-held and backpack sprayers and larger
areas will be treated with truck mounted sprayers during the late evenings during the week when
mosquito populations exceed threshold levels and as weather permits in the following Washington
County communities:
Mahtomedi, Dellwood, Birchwood Village, Willernie, Pine Springs, Western Grant Township, North
Oakdale, Southwest Hugo
Specific areas of treatment are:
Grey Cloud Island Township: Wednesday day: Area north of 8500 block of Grey Cloud Island Drive
St. Paul Park: Wednesday day: Area south of Pullman Ave and west of Railroad tracks
Woodbury: Wednesday day: Carver Lake Park; Windwood Passage Park; Wedgewood Park
Adult mosquito control using ground vehicles usually begins in mid to late May and continues
through mid September
If you are experiencing excessive levels of mosquitoes, MMCD may be able to help. Civic groups,
city officials and individual property owners can call MMCD at (651)645-9149, or email the
District. An inspector may take mosquito population samples to determine if mosquito levels are
high enough to warrant treatment. If the decision is made to treat for adult mosquitoes, MMCD
will use either permethrin - applied during the day by backpack to the edge of wooded areas as a
barrier treatment; or resmethrin - a quick acting cold fog applied when mosquitoes are most
active, around dusk or dawn by truck. When applied correctly, these products pose no measurable
Adult Mosquito Control Treatments in the Metro area Page 4 of 4
risk to human health or the environment. MMCD applicators are licensed by the Minnesota
Department of Agriculture.
For a recorded version of this page, call MMCD'S "BITELINE"
at 651-643-8383.
MMCD HOME PAGE
Page 1 of 2
Minnesota Depart~nent of Health
News Release
July 24, 2002
West Nile Virus arrives in Minnesota
Crows from two Minnesota counties test positive for WNV, providing the first evidence that virus has reached state
Dead crows from two Minnesota counties have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), providing the first evidence that
the mosquito-borne virus has reached Minnesota.
The crows were submitted to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) by local officials in Mille Lacs County, and a
private citizen in Hennepin County.
MDH has been testing dead birds for WNV as part of its rbutine surveillance for the presence of the virus in Minnesota.
Crows and jays are especially susceptible to the virus, and provide an effective indicator of whether WNV is present in a
particular area.
Public health officials throughout the nation have been on the lookout for West Nile since 1999, when the virus first made its
appearance in the New York City area. That was the first time WNV had been reported in the U.S.
Since then, WNV has slowly been spreading to other parts of the country, most likely through the migration of birds infected
with the virus.
WNV activity has now been reported in 33 states. Since 1999, at least 152 human cases of WNV-related encephalitis have
been reported nationwide, and 18 people have died of the illness. People in 10 states have developed the illness during that
time, although a majority of those cases have been reported in New York City and surrounding states, and in Florida.
Although MDH officials are recommending that people take steps to protect themselves against West Nile, they say the risk
of any individual Minnesotan developing the illness is very small. They also point out that viral, mosquito-borne encephalitis
is nothing new in our state.
"This is a serious, potentially fatal illness, and we don't want to underplay its significance," said Dr. Harry Hull, Minnesota's
State Epidemiologist. "However, the odds that you'll be bitten by an infected mosquito are very low. And even if you are
bitten by a mosquito that carries the virus, it's unlikely that you'll become seriously ill. Most of the time, people don't even
experience any symptoms."
Fewer than one person out of every 150 who are exposed to the virus will actually develop encephalitis, Dr. Hull noted.
In that respect, WNV is not that different from LaCrosse encephalitis, which is also caused by a mosquito-borne virus - and
has long been recognized as a public health threat in this part of the country. LaCrosse causes around five cases of serious
illness a year in Minnesota, primarily in the Twin Cities area and the southeastern part of the state.
Symptoms of a serious mosquito-borne encephalitis infection - which generally occur in less than one percent of people
exposed to the virus - can include headache, high fever, stiff neck, stupor, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and
paralysis.
Both LaCrosse and WNV can be life-threatening. But WNV does differ from LaCrosse in one important way: Serious cases
of LaCrosse encephalitis tend to occur in children and adolescents under the age of 16, while serious cases of WNV have so
far tended to occur in older people. The average age of patients with a serious WNV infection is 68.
To lower the risk of infection with WNV - or LaCrosse - officials recommend:
· avoiding outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most likely to be feeding;
Page 2 of 2
· wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants if you have to spend time in an area where mosquitoes are biting;
· protecting yourself with a good mosquito repellent, containing up to 30 percent of the active ingredient DEET; and
· eliminating possible mosquito-breeding sites on and around your property - including items like old tires, buckets, clogged
rain gutters, bird baths, cans and other containers, and anything else that can hold a small amount of water.
Minnesota officials stepped up their surveillance for WNV earlier this month, after WNV encephalitis was reported in a horse
near Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Like other states, Minnesota has been testing mosquitoes for the virus, and officials have also been on the alert for cases of
WNV-related illness in humans, horses and birds. These surveillance activities have been a joint effort of MDH, the
Minnesota Board of Animal Health, the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District, the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Minnesota, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
More information about WNV and other forms of mosquito-borne encephalitis is available on the MDH Web site at
www .health .state.mn.us.
-MDH-
For more information, contact:
Buddy Ferguson
MDH Communications
(651) 215-1306
Dr. Harry Hull
State Epidemiologist
(612) 676-5709
MMCD Home Pag~
Page 1 of 6
Frequently Asked Questions About West Nile VirUs: 2002
WNV Overview
Where did West Nile Virus come from?
West Nile virus occurs in Africa, Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and the Middle East. Until 1999 WNV
had not been documented in North America. The virus gets its name from the West Nile region of
Uganda where it was first identified. It is not certain how WNV was intrOduced to America.
What is West Nile encephalitis?
Encephalitis means inflamation of the brain. It can be causedby viruses or bacteria. West Nile
encephalitis is caused by an infection with the West Nile virus; one of several mosquito-borne viruses
which can cause human illness.
How long has West Nile virus been in the U. S.?
WNV was first documented in New York City in 1999. It was most likely introduced to the area early in
1999 or late in 1998.
Is West Nile virus here to stay?
WNV has spread rapidly in North America and appears to have successfully established itself in the
Western Hemisphere. The level of WNV circulation in any one area may fluctuate from year to year, but
the virus will probably remain active in the United States.
How many people become sick from West Nile Virus?
Most people who are infected with the virus experience no symptoms or a mild flu-like illness.
However, a small percentage of people infected will develop the severe symptoms associated with West
Nile encephalitis. In the three years since the virus was first identified in the United States, 149 cases of
West Nile encephalitis have been confirmed. Eighteen of these people died.
Transmission of West Nile Virus
How do people get West Nile encephalitis?
West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. The virus is normally carried by birds. When a mosquito
bites an infected bird it might become infected itself. It can then transmit the virus if it bites a person.
What is the basic transmission cycle of West Nile virus?
West Nile virus normally cycles among birds and mosquitoes. The virus circulates in the blood of birds
for a few days after infection. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected
Page 2 of 6
mosquitoes can then transmit West Nile virus to humans and animals through their bites. The virus is
injected from the mosquito's salivary glands into the blood stream where it can multiply and cause
illness.
If I spend time in an area where West Nile virus has been detected, what are my chances of getting
sick?
Very few people actually become ill from West Nile virus even in areas where the virus is active. Few
mosquitoes actually carry the virus, less than 1% are infected. Fewer than 1% of people of people bitten
by infected mosquitoes
develop severe illness. The chances of contracting West Nile encephalitis are extremely small.
Can I get West Nile encephalitis from another person?
No. West Nile encephalitis is not transmitted from person to person.
Do ticks or insects other than mosquitoes transmit West Nile virus?
Infected mosquitoes are the primary source for West Nile virus transmission. Although some ticks have
been identified as infected with West Nile virus in Europe, Asia, and Afi'ica their role in the
transmission and maintenance of the virus is unknown. There is no evidence thus far that ticks have
involved in transmission of West Nile virus in North America.
Can I get West Nile virus directly from birds?
There is no evidence to date suggesting that humans can get West Nile virus from touching sick or dead
birds. However, it is strongly recommended, for sanitary reasons, that you use protective gloves or a
plastic bag when handling any sick, injured, or dead bird.
If a person is infected with West Nile virus, will that person develop a natural immunity to future
infection by the virus?
A person will develop immunity to the virus if infected. That immunity could wane after several years,
however.
Prevention of West Nile Encephalitis
What can be done to prevent outbreaks of West Nile encephalitis?
Prevention of West Nile encephalitis and interruption of West Nile virus transmission is most effectively
accomplished through integrated vector management programs like those employed by MMCD. MMCD
Page 3 of 6
is working closely with the Minnesota Department of Health to detect and control West Nile virus. This
includes surveillance for West Nile virus activity in mosquitoes, birds, horses, other animals, and
humans. Also important are implementation of appropriate mosquito control measures to reduce
mosquito populations and public notification efforts. MMCD provides mosquito control services in the
seven county metropolitan area and we work with MDH to keep the public informed of the current West
Nile virus situation.
Is there a vaccine against West Nile encephalitis?
A vaccine for humans is in development and may be available within the next five years. A vaccine for
horses is available, but it effectiveness is still being evaluated. Inoculation requires two doses of the
vaccine, so it is important to schedule vaccination prior to elevated mosquito activity. Contact your
veterinarian for more details.
What can I do to reduce my risk of becoming' infected with West Nile virus?
Utilize these recommendations for avoiding contact with mosquitoes:~
· -Stay indoors at dawn and dusk when most mosquitoes are active.
· ,Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors
· ,Spray clothing with repellents containing DEET or permethrin
· ,Apply insect repellent containing DEET sparingly to exposed skin. Follow the manufacturer's
guidelines for use of repellents. Several DEET repellents which are formulated for use on children
are available.
· ,Ultrasonic devices and vitamin or herbal supplements do not provide effective prevention from
mosquito bites.
· ,Remove any water-holding containers from your property, they can produce mosquitoes.
· ,If you are a resident of the District, MMCD will recycle your unwanted tires provided they are
off the rims.
Symptoms of Infection with West Nile Virus
What are the symptoms of West Nile encephalitis?
Most infections are mild, symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches, occasionally with a skin
rash and swollen lymph glands. More severe infection may be marked by headache, high fever, neck
stiffness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis, coma, and in 10% to
15 % of severe cases, death.
What is the incubation period for West Nile virus in humans? (i.e, time from exposure to WNV to
the onset of disease symptoms)
Usually 3 to 15 days.
Who is at risk for getting West Nile encephalitis?
All residents of areas where West Nile virus activity has been identified and all visitors to those areas
are at risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis. People who are over the age of 50 are at greatest risk of
contracting severe illness after exposure to West Nile virus.
Page 4 of 6
Testing and Treating West Nile Encephalitis in Humans
If I think I have symptoms of West Nile encephalitis, what should I do?
Contact your health care provider if you have concerns about your health. If you or your family
members develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, and severe headaches, you
should seek immediate medical attention.
How is a West Nile virus infection detected?
Your physician will assess your medical history and ask if you live in or have traveled to an area where
West Nile virus is active to determine if you are. at risk for an infection with the virus. People over the
age of 50 are at greatest risk for developing a severe illness. If it is determined you are at high risk and
have symptoms of West Nile encephalitis, your physician will draw a blood sample and send it to a
medical laboratory for testing.
How is West Nile encephalitis treated?
There is no treatment for the viral infection itself. In severe cases, intensive supportive therapy is
required. This may include hospitalization, intravenous fluids, ai~wvay management, respirator support,
prevention of secondary infections, and nursing care.
West Nile Virus and Birds
Does West Nile virus cause illness in birds?
Most birds show little or no affect from infection with West Nile virus. Some bird species, however, do
develop severe illness. Mortality rates are high in crows, blue jays, and some birds of prey. West Nile
virus may cause death in other species as well, but at lower rates.
How can I report sightings of dead birds?
If you live in the District, contact:MMCD at (651) 645-9149, or
Minnesota Department of Health at (612) 676-5414
If you live outside of the District contact: Minnesota Department of Health (612)676-5414, your local
Conservation Officer, or your county health department.
Can I get West Nile virus directly from birds?
There is no evidence to date suggesting that humans can get West Nile virus from touching sick or dead
birds. However, it is strongly recommended, for sanitary reasons, that you use protective gloves or a
plastic bag when handling any sick, injured, or dead bird.
Page 5 of 6
West Nile Virus and Horses
Does West Nile virus affect horses?
Yes. An infection with West Nile virus can result in encephalitis in horses. Most horses infected with
West Nile virus recover, but for horses that develop severe symptoms mortality rates have ranged from
30% to 40% in the United States.
How do the horses become infected with West Nile virus?
The same way humans become infected, by the bite of infectious mosquitoes. The virus is located in the
mosquito's salivary glands. When mosquitoes bite the horse, the virus is injected into its blood system.
The virus then multiplies and may cause illness. The mosquitoes become infected when they feed on
infected birds or other animals.
How does the virus cause severe illness or death in horses?
Following transmission by an infected mosquito, West Nile virus multiplies in the horse's blood system,
crosses the blood brain barrier, and infects the brain. The virus interferes with normal central nervous
system functioning and causes inflammation of the brain.
Can I get infected with West Nile virus by caring for an infected horse?
West Nile virus is transmitted by infectious mosquitoes. There is no documented evidence of person-to-
person or animal-to-person transmission of West Nile virus. Normal veterinary infection control
precautions should be followed when caring for a horse suspected to have this or any viral infection.
Can a horse infected with West Nile virus infect horses in neighboring stalls? No. There is no
documented evidence that West Nile virus is transmitted between horses. However, horses with
suspected West Nile virus should be isolated from mosquito bites, if at all possible.
My horse is vaccinated against eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), western equine encephalitis
(WEE), and Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE). Will these vaccines protect my horse against
West Nile virus infection?
No. EEE, WEE, and VEE belong to another family of viruses for which there is no cross-protection.
Can I vaccinate my horse against West Nile virus infection?
A West Nile virus vaccine for horses is available, but it effectiveness is still being evaluated. Inoculation
requires two doses of the vaccine, so it is important to schedule vaccination prior to elevated mosquito
activity. Contact your veterinarian for more details.
How long will a horse infected with West Nile virus be infectious?
We do not know if an infected horse can be infectious (i.e., cause mosquitoes feeding on it to become
infected). However, previously published data suggest that the virus is detectable in the blood for only a
few days.
What is the treatment for a horse infected with West Nile virus? Should it be destroyed?
There is no reason to destroy a horse just because it has been infected with West Nile virus. Data suggest
that most horses recover from the infection. Treatment would be supportive and consistent with standard
veterinary practices for animals infected with a viral agent. If the illness progresses past the point of
recovery, you and your veterinarian might make the decision to put the horse down.
Page 6 of 6
West Nile Virus and Dogs and Cats
Can West Nile virus infect dogs or cats?
Dogs and cats can become infected with West Nile virus in the same way as humans, horses, and birds;
by the bite of an infectious mosquito. Illness in dogs is rare, there have been no cases documented in the
United States and only one elsewhere in the world. While illness is rare in cats as well, West Nile virus
was isolated from dead cats in the United States in 1999 and 2000.
Can infected dogs or cats be carriers of West Nile virus and transmit the virus to humans or other
pets?
West Nile virus is transmitted by infectious mosquitoes. There is no documented evidence of direct
transmission of the virus to people from infected animals or to pets from another infected animal.
West Nile Virus Resources on the Internet
Minnesota Department of Health: www.health.state.mn.us
U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC): www.cdc.go¥_
American Mosquito Control Association: www.mosquito.org
USGS; Center for Integration of Natural Disaster Information (CINDI): http://cindi.usgs.gov
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: www._aphis.usda.gov
National Pesticide Information Center: npic.orst.edu
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov
MMCD HOME PAGE
Mosquito Facts Metropolitan Mosquito Control District Page 1 of 1
Mosquito Facts and Fiction
Fifty mosquito species occur in Minnesota, over 3,300 worldwide. About a dozen species bite
humans in the Twin Cities metro area.
· A single female can lay over 200 eggs at a time. Mosquito eggs can survive for more than five
years.
· All mosquitoes need water to complete their life cycle.
· Not all species bite humans; some prefer birds, others prefer horses, and some will even bite frogs
and turtles.
· Only females take blood; males feed only on plant nectar.
· Mosquitoes can fly considerable distances; some species remain close to their larval habitats while
others can fly 20 miles or more.
Mosquitoes do not develop in grass or shrubbery, although adults fequently rest in these areas
during daylight hours.
· Mosquitoes are responsible for more human death than any other living creature.
Mosquitoes DO NOT transmit AIDS. Click Here for in-depth information about AIDS and
Mosquitoes.
· Mosquitoes DO transmit'dog and Cat heartworm, a parasite that attacks the heart and major
arteries of dogs and cats.
MMCD HOME PAGE
August 30, 2002
Dem' Editor:
Mosquitoes and mosquito control are big news this season. For this reason, I would like
to clarify a statement printed recently in a submitted editorial alleging that the City does
not permit mosquito control. The City of Chanhassen does allow larval control of
mosquitoes on public lands. This control method uses briquettes dispensed by hand or
granules dispensed by helicopter. These briquettes or granules most commonly contain
bacteria (Bti) that prevent mosquitoes and gnats from hatching. This is the Metropolitan
Mosquito Control District's primary method of mosquito control.
The City does not permit the spraying of-adulticides, chemicals that kill adult mosquitoes,
within the borders of City parks. The City implemented this restriction in 1992 following
a complaint of two residents who became ill after being exposed to an adulticide
application. Previous to 1992, the District would periodically spray these adulticides in
some city parks utilizing vehicle-mounted equipment. These applications were most
commonly made prior to large gatherings. The City is discussing whether or not this
restriction should stay in place.
Todd Hoffman
Park and Recreation Director