In early spring, mosquitoes stay in the water as larvae for longer, but as air temperatures rise, they emerge as adult mosquitoes. The warming expected in the coming weeks means adult mosquito activity will increase in late April and May.

To reduce the risk of disease and annoyance in an environmentally sensitive manner, the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) will be conducting surveillance and treatment activities in New Hope and surrounding communities. Each year, MMCD field staff monitor and treat wetlands that breed mosquitoes with a fleet of trucks and helicopters. Many of MMCD's seasonal staff begin working in April. Residents of the seven-county metro area may notice the green or white trucks with the MMCD logo or staff on bikes or foot wearing brightly colored "Mosquito Control" shirts.

MMCD employees may need to cross private property for access to check and treat areas for mosquito larvae. If you have questions about mosquito control activities or concerns about an employee, please call the MMCD front desk at 651.645.9149 or visit MMCD.org.

Some of the activities that MMCD may be doing in the community include:

• Wetland surveillance: determining if ponds or swamps have mosquito larvae present.
• Catch basin surveillance: pulling off grates and inspecting neighborhood catch basins to determine if mosquito larvae are present.
• Ground larval treatments: applying control materials to a wetland with a hand spreader or backpack.
• Helicopter larval treatments: applying control materials to a wetland via helicopter.
• UAS/drone larval treatments: applying control materials via drone.
  Catch basin treatments: applying control materials to neighborhood catch basins.
• Setting or collecting traps: surveillance helps MMCD determine where and what types of mosquitoes are active.

The control materials and methods used by MMCD are regularly tested for safety and only applied when surveillance indicates they would be effective. The active ingredients specifically target mosquito larvae or adults with minimal impacts on non-target insects. The control materials are not harmful to people, pets or wildlife.

For a complete list of control materials used, please visit MMCD.org. Scheduled treatments, including planned helicopter activity, are posted on the MMCD website and Twitter page @metromosquito. The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District appreciates your support. For information about MMCD's programs or tips on reducing mosquitoes near your home, please visit MMCD.org.