Aerial mosquito spraying to be conducted on GFAFB

Published May 31, 2013

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- An aerial mosquito spray mission is scheduled here for June 5-6, according to base officials.

A spray team, which uses a C-130 Hercules aircraft, is scheduled to spray areas of standing water on Grand Forks AFB during the mission.

The aircraft will be making low passes - at an altitude of 100-150 feet - around the spray areas.

The purpose of the spraying mission is to lower the number of irritations and infections associated with mosquito bites, as well as to minimize the threat of West Nile Virus.

The aerial spraying will target mosquito larva (mosquitoes breeding in water). An additional aerial spray planned for Aug. 5-9 will target adult (flying) mosquitoes.

Spraying could commence each day around 6 a.m. on June 5-6 and will continue until spray operations are complete. In the event of inclement weather or high winds, spraying will be postponed.

It is recommended for base occupants to remain indoors during the aerial spraying, as well during upcoming ground spraying.

For more information, contact the Public Affairs Office at 701-747-5023 or Pest Management at 701-747-4289.