Des Moines stands firm against mosquito spraying
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Des Moines so far has no plans to resume regular mosquito spraying this summer — the first time in over 25 years the city has stepped back from such efforts.
Why it matters: According to state tracking data, mosquito populations are surging, and at least one resident is pleading with the city to reinstate the municipal program.
Catch up quick: The City Council eliminated regular spraying this year to save roughly $300,000, with city staff noting the program could be reinstated if public health concerns arise.
- Des Moines completed its single planned aerial larvicide application in May, and no additional spraying is currently scheduled.
Driving the news: The Iowa Mosquito Surveillance Program at Iowa State University found that mosquito populations across the state in recent weeks have been more than 10 times higher than the same period last year.
What they're saying: Des Moines resident Bonnie Davis told the City Council in a meeting last month that she's "here to plead and beg for mosquito spraying," listing initiatives like enhancements to bike lanes that she said have taken priority in the city's nearly $840 million operating budget.
- "To think that there's no money for mosquitoes really bothers me," Davis said.
The other side: The City Council received and filed Davis' comments without responding.
- As planned, city staff will continue to observe changes and will be prepared if further modifications become necessary, city manager Scott Sanders tells Axios.
The big picture: West Nile is among the expanding threat of diseases carried by insects due to longer, hotter summers, milder winters and changes in land use and travel.
- According to the CDC, at least 47 cases of West Nile have occurred in Polk County since 1999.
- None has been reported so far this year.
The bottom line: Stock up on bug spray.