Base provides aerial spraying of mosquitoes Published July 28, 2008 By 020708 GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Officials here are working with the 757th Airlift Squadron from Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, for an aerial mosquito control spray mission July 28 to August 1. The spray team, which uses a C-130 Hercules aircraft and a $6 million spray system, is scheduled to spray the base and the city of Emerado. The aircraft will be making low passes around the spray areas, at an altitude of 100-150 feet. The purpose of the spraying mission is to lower the number of irritations and infections associated with mosquito bites, as well as minimize the threat of West Nile Virus. Spraying will commence each evening at about 8 p.m. during the week of 28 July 2008 through 1 August 2008 and will conclude at sunset. Although the aerial spraying is scheduled for the entire week, spraying could be completed as soon as July 30 depending on weather and barring any equipment malfunctions. In the event of inclement weather or high winds, spraying will be postponed. Additionally, the aerial spray mission may be cancelled if mosquito counts, conducted by the 319th Medical Group here, do not warrant aerial application. It is recommended for occupants to remain indoors during the aerial spraying, as well as during on-going ground spraying. As a reminder, ground spraying on base will not be conducted during the aerial spraying, but will begin at about 9 p.m. August 4, continuing the Monday through Friday schedule if determined necessary by mosquito trap counts. The ground spraying takes a few hours to complete depending on weather. For more information, contact public affairs office at 701-747-5023.