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West Nile Virus was confirmed in 12 total mosquito samples collected in Minot this season, according to information released Tuesday, Sept. 29, by the City of Minot.
North Dakota Health and Human Services returned results positive for West Nile Virus in nine of 20 mosquito samples submitted in August.
As the autumnal weather moves in, mosquito counting and control efforts have ceased for the 2026 season. Temperatures are decreasing to a level at which the culex mosquitos, or the West Nile vector species, have or are likely to go into a dormant state for the winter.
Through its mosquito surveillance program, the city has structured its fall work orders to address spaces that are prone to mosquito larvae. Detention ponds and cattails will be mowed to prevent future mosquito populations in those spaces.
Decisions for future mosquito control were addressed by Minot City Council at its Aug. 17 meeting and solidified with the final budget approval on Sept. 21. The approved option includes mosquito surveillance and one ground spray in 2027.
The City of Minot will continue to work with First District Health Unit, especially to identify grant funding for the mosquito surveillance program. Surveillance and one ground spray event will continue through Fog 'Em Mosquito Control. Aerial spraying and larvicide deterrent will not take place in 2027. The total 2027 budget cost is about $95,000.
The total budget impact for mosquito control in 2026 was about $95,000 for a U.S. Air Force Reserve aerial spray, for which the City purchases the chemical. City and USAFR staff worked together to utilize barrels of Trumpet EC that were unused after a 2025 aerial spray was canceled. This saved about $60,000, which was repurposed within the mosquito control budget line to introduce the mosquito surveillance and ground spray portions of the mosquito control program.