Union County Mosquitos aren’t a West Nile risk during spring, but they are annoying
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION COUNTY – Warm weather unfortunately means pests and parasites, especially mosquitoes. For Union County residents and livestock owners concerned about the spread of mosquito born illnesses this spring, however, there is some good news.
According to Union County Vector Control, the species of mosquitos present in Union County during spring are primarily “flood water mosquitoes,’ as in they lay eggs on dry ground, which then hatch as temperatures increase and water accumulates from rain and snowmelt. These floodwater mosquitoes, again according to Union County Vector Control, “are not considered to be a disease vector.” That said, these early mosquitoes can be just as obnoxious as those found later in the season.
Speaking of which, West Nile Virus ladened mosquitoes are likely to begin proliferating in late July. During the pre-West Nile months, it is recommended that horse owners arrange to have their animals vaccinated before the disease starts flaring
