Helicopter Mosquito Control Treatments Resume Friday Across Twin Cities Metro After Weather Delay
TWIN CITIES, MINNESOTA - Helicopter mosquito control treatments are set to resume across the Twin Cities metro on Friday, as officials work to control early-season mosquito populations following a brief weather-related delay.
The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) announced that aerial treatments targeting mosquito larvae will take place on Friday, April 24, across all seven metro counties. Operations initially began earlier this week but were temporarily suspended due to high winds.
Targeting Early-Season Mosquitoes
According to MMCD, the helicopter treatments will focus specifically on wetlands where surveillance crews have identified spring species of mosquito larvae. These early-season mosquitoes can hatch rapidly as temperatures warm, particularly in standing water left behind by snowmelt and spring rains.
By treating larvae before they mature into adult mosquitoes, officials aim to reduce populations early and limit nuisance levels heading into the summer months.
All treatments remain weather-dependent, meaning conditions such as wind, rain, or temperature could impact scheduling.
Where Treatments Are Planned
Residents across a wide portion of the Twin Cities metro may notice low-flying helicopters on Friday, particularly near wetlands and marshy areas. Cities currently included in the treatment plan span multiple counties:
Anoka County
Andover, Anoka, Blaine, Coon Rapids, East Bethel, Fridley, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Linwood Township, Oak Grove
Carver County
Benton Township, Camden Township, Chanhassen, Dahlgren Township, Laketown Township, Waconia, Watertown, Young America Township
Dakota County
Burnsville, Castle Rock Township, Eagan, Eureka Township, Farmington, Greenvale Township, Hastings, Lakeville
Hennepin County
Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Independence, Medina, Minnetrista, Mound, St. Bonifacius
Ramsey County
Maplewood, North St. Paul, Roseville, White Bear Lake
Scott County
Credit River, New Market Township
Washington County
Afton, Baytown Township, Cottage Grove, Forest Lake, Grant, Hugo, Oakdale, Stillwater, West Lakeland Township, Woodbury
What Residents Can Expect
Helicopter applications are typically conducted at low altitudes over targeted wetlands. The treatments used are designed to specifically target mosquito larvae and are commonly used in mosquito control programs nationwide.
MMCD emphasizes that residents will continue to receive advance notice of aerial activity throughout the season. The agency plans to:
Send email alerts ahead of helicopter operations
Post updated treatment areas on its website
Share updates and changes via its BlueSky social media account
As the summer progresses, additional treatment dates and locations will be announced based on ongoing surveillance and mosquito activity levels.
Looking Ahead
With spring conditions creating ideal breeding environments, mosquito control officials say early intervention is key to keeping populations manageable later in the season.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through MMCD updates and take additional steps at home, such as removing standing water, to help reduce mosquito breeding near their properties.
For more information, visit the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District website.
Written by: Will Wight
