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Albert Lea will resume its weekly mosquito control program Wednesday, June 5, after dusk. This year marks the return of spraying following a dry year in 2023 suppressing mosquito populations. The City of Albert Lea has contracted Mosquito Control of Iowa to handle the spraying service.

In case of rainy or windy weather, Thursdays will be the back-up days for the remainder of the summer.

The company uses a product called Evoluer 4-4, which includes permethrin, a pesticide that is safe yet effective against mosquitoes and gnats. This product has quick knockdown, low odor and is non-corrosive. This product is registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

For more information about the spraying service, call Mosquito Control of Iowa at 712-848-3295 or visit its website at http://mosquitocontrolofiowa.net. The website includes FAQs about mosquitoes and control strategies, including links to studies that show mosquito control does not harm bees.

To be removed from the spray area, property owners should contact Ryan Hajek, City of Albert Lea assistant public works director, at 507-377-4377  or rhajek@ci.albertlea.mn.us.

In addition to spraying, the city encourages residents to help control mosquitoes by taking these steps:

• Eliminate outdoor trash, tires and containers which may hold water creating a breeding site for mosquitoes.
• Maintain rain gutters and down spouts. Make sure no water remains in them after a rain.
• Empty and clean bird baths weekly.
• Store pails barrels, tubs, boats, wheel barrows and other items upside down to also avoid water collection.
• Keep shrubs, lawns and weeds trimmed to eliminate harborage areas.

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