MOORHEAD — The Moorhead City Council further delayed aerial spraying for mosquito control after residents expressed concern for a spray’s effect on pollinators like butterflies and bees.
On Monday, Aug. 11, council members discussed aerial spraying after resident backlash to a planned aerial spray. Most residents who spoke during the meeting expressed concern about the practice, but some asked the city to conduct the citywide spray.
While aerial spraying is postponed for now, in a press release sent shortly after the meeting ended, the city alerted residents to a ground spray starting at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12.
The city planned to conduct an aerial spray Thursday, Aug. 7, due to an increase in the mosquito-borne disease West Nile virus detected in the area. However, the
During Monday’s meeting, Mayor Shelly Carlson explained it was not postponed due to resident opposition. The city of Moorhead requires pesticide chemicals to be applied in lesser concentrations than neighboring Fargo, and the logistics of switching the chemicals ultimately delayed the spray.
After more than an hour of discussion, the Moorhead City Council voted 5-4 to delay the spray to take another look at its mosquito control policy. Council members Nicole Mattson, Heather Nesemeier, Deb White and Lisa Borgen voted for the delay, while Council Members Ryan Nelson, Emily Moore, Sebastian McDougall and Chuck Hendrickson voted against it. Mayor Shelly Carlson cast the tiebreaking vote to delay aerial spraying.
Anna Paige / The Forum
Moorhead has multiple mosquito control contracts. Cass County Vector Control conducts larval treatment, shares data on mosquito numbers and recommends when to conduct aerial pesticide sprays. Another company applies pesticides aerially with a plane.
Based on Cass County Vector Control’s numbers and presence of West Nile virus in Cass and Clay County, the mayor, city manager and public works director decide whether to follow the recommendations.
Some speaking against aerial spraying referenced the
in August 2020, when hundreds of butterflies in the Fargo-Moorhead area died after an aerial spray.
Anna Paige / The Forum
Noelle Harden said she served on the Aerial Application Advisory Committee the next year to shape Moorhead’s mosquito treatment policy, which included using reduced concentrations of the pesticide permethrin and spraying after sunset. It also included city communications about how residents can protect themselves from mosquitoes.
“That is something I really haven’t seen this summer from the city,” Harden said.
Jen Walla talked about how monarch butterflies had just appeared in her gardens before Fargo had its aerial spray.
“We haven’t seen any since then, on my pollinator garden or the milkweed patch,” Walla said.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
Mavis Tjon talked about the health risks of West Nile virus, urging council members to take into account the ability to enjoy the short summers.
“After spending winter indoors, I’m a prisoner of mosquitoes,” Tjon said.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
The discussion was brought forward by Borgen and Mattson. Borgen said she wants more information about aerial spraying. While residents can opt out of ground spraying by a truck, they cannot opt out of a citywide spray.
“I think that’s an issue that we need to visit a little bit more about, get some more data, etc.,” Borgen said.
Anna Paige / The Forum
Mattson argued against aerial spraying, sharing statistics about West Nile virus and the effectiveness of aerial spraying. Most residents reaching out to her about the spray were against it, she said.
Moore argued the city should stick to its policy and conduct the spray because of the risk of West Nile virus, which can be deadly.
“Personally, I can’t stomach a death in our community because we fail to take action and protect human health and safety,” Moore said.
Anna Paige / The Forum
The Moorhead City Council plans to discuss the policy during its next workshop, which is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug 19, at the Hjemkmost Center.
Anna Paige / The Forum
