Mosquito control spraying to take place Wednesday near Power City
By Griffin Beach on Wednesday, September 9th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
HERMISTON – In response to the discovery of West Nile-positive mosquitoes last week, the West Umatilla Mosquito Control District will spray near the affected area on Wednesday.
The district announced it will use a twin-engine aircraft to spray an area near Power City between Lind and Craig roads, covering approximately 5,000 acres.
Spraying will begin after sunset on Wednesday, though the schedule is weather-dependent and subject to change.
Residents throughout the district can expect increased control operations through late September in areas with positive West Nile samples. The district serves much of western Umatilla County, including Hermiston, Umatilla, Stanfield and Echo.
Aerial and truck-mounted sprayers will deliver ultra-low-volume applications of insecticides to reduce mosquito populations in infested areas. Applications will typically occur after sunset when mosquitoes are most active. All applicators are licensed by the Oregon Department of Agriculture, according to the district.
Four samples from the district have tested positive for the virus, and results are pending for one additional test. The positive samples were collected from the Bowdin Road, Sagebrush Road and Wanaket Wildlife areas.
The district also asks residents to take their own precautions and safety measures, including:
· Get rid of old tires and other containers where water can accumulate and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
· Flush or replace the water in horse troughs weekly.
· Be sure to flush or add mosquito fish to ornamental ponds.
· Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
· Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito infested areas.
· Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, making sure to follow the directions on the container.
· Screen doors and windows.
· Report mosquito infestations and dead bird sightings to the West Umatilla Mosquito Control District 541-567-5201
Because horses are also at risk for West Nile, health officials encourage horse owners to check with their veterinarians for vaccination. Veterinarians can arrange for testing of samples from horses suspected of infection with West Nile virus.
