Mosquito treatment begins July 19 in Horan, Confluence parks

Mosquitoes are out in force around Chelan County. Chelan PUD is encouraging park visitors to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, or explore different areas to recreate until conditions improve.

High river flows and a late, wet spring have contributed to the increase in mosquitoes. Every year, PUD crews apply pellets to control mosquitoes in and around ponds at the Confluence State Park and Horan Natural area.

Water levels are still too high to successfully treat the area, but within two weeks, flooding is expected to recede, and crews will have the required permitting to do the work. Mosquito treatment is tentatively scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. July 19, depending on water levels.

Chelan PUD uses a larvicide known by the brand name VectoLex CG. The pellets are safe for use around people and pets. This fast-acting product is commonly used in municipal and industrial water treatment facilities. More information about the pellets is available on the Clarke company website at www.clarke.com.

Like Chelan PUD, Chelan-Douglas Health District has also received several phone calls lately from residents concerned about mosquitoes. To avoid mosquito bites, public health officials recommend:

• Stay indoors from dusk until dawn, if possible, when mosquitoes are most active

• Wear a long-sleeve shirt, long pants and a hat when going into mosquito-infested areas, such as

wetlands

• Repair or replace insect screens on doors and windows

• Use EPA-approved mosquito repellent when necessary. Read the label and follow instructions.

Take special care when using repellent on children. For more information, here are two helpful resources: state Department of Health at https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/pests/mosquitoesand and the Centers for Disease Control at https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/index.html.