MINOT AIR FORCE BASE – Minot Air Force Base officials have requested assistance from the 910th Airlift Wing at Youngstown Air Reserve Station to conduct aerial spraying for mosquito control between July 15-19 and Aug. 5-9 for Minot AFB and the cities of Minot, Williston and Burlington.

According to information from Minot AFB, due to uncertain weather conditions the exact time and area to be treated cannot be determined in advance.

The 910th Airlift Wing, based at Vienna, Ohio, will apply U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registered pesticides. Adult mosquito control will occur between the hours of 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. The applications will use a modified C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft flying 150 feet above ground level.

The purpose of the aerial mosquito spraying is to protect public health, ease working conditions and improve the quality of life for members working at Minot AFB and citizens living in the surrounding area.

The aerial mosquito spraying provides both training to Air Force Reserve Command units and key community services through the Innovative Readiness Training program, which is coordinated with and applied for by local cities.

Minot AFB Public Health recommends people and domestic animals remain indoors while the aerial spraying is occurring immediately overhead or upwind from your location and until the mist settles to the ground. These EPA-registered pesticides were selected because they pose minimal health hazards to humans and domestic animals and minimal risks to plants or painted finishes with aerial application.

Concerned citizens should contact the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron pest management office at Minot AFB.