The first West Nile Virus (WNV) positive mosquito sample of 2024, within the Benton County Mosquito Control District boundaries, has been detected.  The area is within Yakima County but very close to the western border of Benton County.  To see the location on a map, please click WNV Map.  

The District has two species, out of fourteen, that are known transmitters of WNV.  The two species have shown an increase in population numbers over the last few weeks.  In response to the incease in mosquito populations and the presence of mosquito borne illness, we will be conducting aerial applications, with a plane, for adult mosquito control.  These applications are tentatively scheduled for August 7th and 8th, would occur at or after sunset, and are highly weather dependent.  For more information, please go to our Adult Mosquito Spray Calendar.

Even though we may have not detected WNV in other parts of the District, one should assume that wherever mosquitoes are there is a chance that WNV is present.  The District encourages you to consider the use of an EPA registered, personal mosquito control repellent.  For more information, please go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's webpage:  Preventing Mosquito Bites