07/27/2026
A positive sample of mosquitoes has been collected from established surveillance sites throughout Elmore County. The first positive finding of the 2026 mosquito season suggests limited levels of virus circulation in Elmore County and does not warrant deviation from standard operational efforts.
The ECMA routinely sets dry ice-baited mosquito traps at 40 locations throughout Elmore County to monitor adult mosquito populations and the presence of vector-borne diseases such as West Nile virus. To date, the department has had over 100 mosquito samples tested. The area where the mosquitoes were collected has been treated frequently as part of the department’s mosquito control efforts.
The public is encouraged to help reduce the mosquito population by eliminating standing water around homes and properties. Regularly dumping out and replacing horse and stock water supplies in troughs and tanks every 3-5 days is tremendously effective in reducing the numbers of mosquitoes around a home or property and limiting overuse of irrigation will also result in a reduced number of mosquitoes.
The following are suggestions to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile virus:
DRAIN any standing water around homes and property. Any water that stands for longer than 3-5 days can produce mosquitoes. Regularly change and clean horse and stock water troughs.
DRESS appropriately when mosquitoes are most active. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk, early night hours, and at dawn. Light colored long sleeve shirts and pants are recommended.
DEFEND against mosquitoes by using an effective insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or 2-undecanone, making sure to follow the directions on the container. The best way to protect horses from WNV is by annual vaccination.
Please contact ECMA by calling 208-587-2304 or by email at [email protected] if a site is too large to be eliminated so it can be properly treated.
Additional information about mosquitoes and the diseases they carry can be found at:
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/diseases-conditions/west-nile-virus
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html
Elmore County Pest Abatement
https://elmorecounty.org/pest-abatement-district/
https://www.facebook.com/ECMAD
Elmore County Mosquito Abatement (ECMA) is a county government department that strives to manage vector mosquito populations in Elmore County, Idaho.
