The board voted to 2-0 (Cribbins left early for another meeting) to spray larvicide only and limit the spraying to the Bandon Marsh so as not to contaminate cranberry crops. Cranberry farmers raised the issue that their crops would be rejected by buyers if Dibron was detected on their crops. Commissioner Bob Main received confirmation from an OSU toxicologist that residues of the pesticide would not dissipate by harvest time thereby ruining the cranberry crops.

An interesting side note is that local mosquito_sickOcean Spray growers said they were unconcerned with pesticide residues….
From Coos County Public Health

Coos County Commissioners met this morning to reevaluate the Source Reduction Plan and review mosquito collection and weather condition data as well as input that has been received from the community; taking into consideration unintended consequences that could result from the scheduled aerial applications.

As a result, the Source Reduction Plan is now:
• Larvacide 308 acres of the Ni-lef’tun Unit of Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge with MetaLarv at 3 pounds per acre by fixed wing aircraft tomorrow afternoon (9/12/13) and possibly into Friday morning, weather conditions permitting
• Adulticide application will not occur
• No changes were made to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) plan to develop an Integrated Marsh Management Plan this fall; Coos County Commissioners passed a motion to encourage USFWS to stick to their commitment to monitor mosquito populations and treat refuge lands, if necessary, until the restoration is completed
• Costs associated with the larvacide application that is scheduled for tomorrow will be paid by USFWS

The current risk for disease transmission due to a mosquito bite remains low and there are no indicators to suggest that a mosquito-borne disease is circulating in any of the mosquito species in the marsh. No hospitalizations or deaths associated with mosquito bites have been reported to Coos County Public Health (CCPH). However, because no chemical measures will be taken to control the current adult mosquito population, the CCPH recommends that citizens in and around the Bandon community:

Avoid mosquito bites:
• Use insect repellents when you go outdoors
• When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors
• Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours

Mosquito-proof your home:
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside
• Use of bug zappers are not recommended because non-pest insects make up the vast majority of trap catch

Reduce mosquito habitat breading ground:
• Empty standing water from containers such as flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and birdbaths
• Over-the-counter mosquito-control products are available; if using a mosquito-control product ALWAYS read and follow the product label

If you have questions or concerns please contact Coos County Health Department at 541-751-2431.