Mosquito District Vote

In an ideal world, there would be no such thing as traffic, veggies would be more tempting than carbs and mosquitos would stay away from those enjoying a summer night on the patio. However, with a healthy abundance of tourists, Bavarian style pretzels and the just right summer climate — traffic, carbs and mosquitos are familiar with Leavenworth residents. 

Luckily, the Leavenworth Mosquito Control District provides a layer of protection between the city and mosquitos that helps a lot more than just slathering a layer of bug repellent on. 

“Mosquito borne diseases, including — but not necessarily limited to — West Nile Virus and encephalitis, pose serious risks to public health, safety, and welfare; thus, it has become increasingly important to make all reasonable efforts to exterminate mosquitoes. Leavenworth and the surrounding area is situated in an area of Chelan County where habitat and climate conditions are particularly conducive to mosquito infestation,” according to the Mosquito Control District No. 2 Resolution document that was passed by Leavenworth City Council on Aug. 14. 

In the last couple of months with the November election looming, giant banners promoting individuals, posters with names in large, block lettering and bumper stickers endorsing candidates have been staples on the highways throughout Chelan Count. However, the midterm election will not just bring voters the option of choosing candidates for representing the county, but residents can also vote for their residential area to be combined into the Mosquito Control District No. 2. 

The November 6 ballot will serve as a chance for residents located east on Titus Road, up Chumstick to about mile marker 1 and the Mine wetland area to be incorporated in the Mosquito Control District No. 2, the group that provides the Leavenworth area’s protection from the bugs. 

The group performs a variety of services such as treating mosquito larva with several larvicides, the recent addition of conducting aerial larviciding, actively searching for mosquito breeding sites, investigating residents’ complaints and simply informing locals of how to keep their property and themselves safe -— among other things. 

“We have been treating the areas and we justify it because it’s close to the district,” said Leavenworth Mosquito Control District manager, Jenny Mullins. “If they vote against it, we won’t be able to justify it -—so we’ll have to stop treating, which will reduce mosquito control for the district.”

The expansion won’t be the first time some of these residents will have received Leavenworth Mosquito Control’s services; however, the addition will be the first time they have to pay the tax on it. 

“The current tax is $24 per parcel. It will help to contribute to our efforts, including town parks, to make the town livable. We won’t keep doing it if people don’t appreciate the amount of effort that does goes into it,” Mullins said.

The expansion will help keep taxes low and reflect appreciation for the hard work that goes into the process of keeping the area mosquito controlled. 

“It will be a good thing to formally get into the district. We can rest assured that we can continue treating the area and continue benefitting the community.” said Mullins. “It was an expensive process getting it on the ballot. So if it fails, we won’t be motivated to do it again.”  

On November 6, the areas outside of the current territory will be able to weigh in on whether they want to be enveloped into the district. It’s a chance to avoid spending the summer restlessly scratching at welts or dealing with the frustrating task of trying to simultaneously swat and grill in the backyard.