MMCD begins Twin Cities mosquito treatments after record West Nile year

The Minnesota Mosquito Control District began mosquito treatments across the Twin Cities this week after a record West Nile year in 2025.

The district has about 200 seasonal staff and is actively dipping wetlands across the metro, including Oakdale, to collect larvae for laboratory identification. Helicopter and drone larvicide drops could start as soon as this week, and MMCD says the products target mosquito larvae and are not harmful to people, pets or pollinators.

Officials confirmed 2025 was a record West Nile year with more than 50 human cases reported just in the Twin Cities, prompting extra-vigilant surveillance for 2026. Technicians expect a somewhat normal mosquito season with a surge around the Fourth of July and say cattail mosquitoes will likely dominate. They also warn of elevated Lyme risk from deer tick nymphs in May and June and urged the public to prep bug spray, treat pets and remove standing water.

Coverage has shifted from routine seasonal predictions to heightened caution after last year's spike in human West Nile cases. Early forecasts focused on timing and dominant mosquito types, while recent reporting has stressed aggressive surveillance and possible aerial larvicide treatments. FOX 9's reporting highlighted the record 2025 case count and the MMCD's stepped-up response, helping drive the more precautionary tone.