Helicopter Mosquito Treatments Begin Today Across Dakota County
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA - With the snow officially melted and mosquito season fast approaching, the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) announced they are launching their 2025 larval mosquito control efforts by air starting today, Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
MMCD crews have been surveying areas of standing water throughout the region to identify where mosquito larvae are present. In locations with high larval activity, helicopters will be deployed to apply dry granules over wetlands and other large bodies of standing water. These treatments are an essential first step in reducing the number of mosquitoes before they reach their biting adult stage.
The aerial treatments use bio-rational control materials, including a natural soil bacterium and mosquito growth regulators. These substances specifically target mosquito larvae while posing no risk to humans, animals, or beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Cities in Dakota County scheduled for helicopter treatment (Today) April 16 include:
Apple Valley
Burnsville
Eagan
Eureka
Greenvale Township
Inver Grove Heights
Lakeville
Mendota Heights
Randolph
Rosemount
South St. Paul
West St. Paul
It’s important to note that MMCD helicopters only apply dry granules and do not spray liquid insecticides targeting adult mosquitoes.
Residents may notice low-flying helicopters over wetland areas throughout the day today (Wednesday) as part of this annual effort to reduce mosquito populations and minimize the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
For more information, visit the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District website.
Written by: Will Wight
