Mosquitoes Still A Problem In Aberdeen

ABERDEEN, SD - If you've made it through the summer without getting the West Nile virus, you might think you're in the clear.

As floodwater has gone down, there are fewer mosquitoes. But leaders in the parks and rec department warn the ones that are left are the kind that can carry West Nile.

Treating known problem spots and spraying city-wide, Mosquito Control isn't letting up in its fight against the mosquitos in Aberdeen.

It's been at the task since the first treatment when snow was still on the ground.

"I think we were a little more prepared this year because I think the crews experienced a busy year last year. So they kind of knew what was ahead of them and what they needed to do," Parks Superintendent Mark Hoven said.

And so far that's been 16 city-wide sprays and two aerials. They won't be done until it freezes and they're warning people around the city not to let up before then either. Recent tests from the city's mosquito traps have shown there is west Nile in the area.

"He likes to be outside all the time; Dawson does, so we have to take care. We spray him with spray. They seem to like him," Krystal Swick said about her son.

Swick lives in Aberdeen and has noticed the bugs were bad this year. But for her son's safety, she's thankful for the mosquito control's plan of attack. Her son is happy too.

"He likes to watch the airplanes spraying for mosquitoes so he knows what's going on," Swick said.

Sprayers and cans of spray are still a necessity when spending time outdoors.

"This is the time of year you need to be ready. People are out at football games at night and doing some different things and they need to be aware, those are the times those kinds of mosquitoes are out," Hoven said. 

Mosquitoes that can carry West Nile can survive the winter so mosquito control is trying kill off as many of those as possible now so they have fewer to worry about right away in the spring.