Mosquito board approves $58,276.33 in bills; manager reports aerial spraying, fish planting

The Mason Valley Mosquito Abatement District Board approved its April 8, 2026 meeting agenda and authorized payment of $58,276.33 in bills, and District Manager Bud Stinson reported a brisk start to the control season in Yerington.

Stinson told the board that a March heat wave accelerated larval development and prompted multiple control measures. "We flew 500 acres of the worst areas, gaining back larval control," he said, and described three aerial flights between March 7 and March 29 covering 1,240 acres. He added that the district planted about 2,000 mosquito fish in six locations and deployed briquettes on a little over 4 acres to address larval sites.

The nut of the matter, Stinson said, was that larval populations varied across the valley: upstream areas were minimal but the central valley stretch had moderate to high counts, so he said he "nuked them" with targeted applications. The district reported treating more than 11 miles of river and four main ditches using 14.25 gallons of Vectobac 12AS; the April chemical use report lists total larvicided acres at 1,410.

On routine business, the board handled three formal motions: Ed Moreda moved to accept the meeting agenda "as presented," seconded by Alyce Reese; Bev Smith moved to approve the Feb. 11, 2026 minutes, seconded by Linda Romero; and Alyce Reese moved to pay bills totaling $58,276.33, seconded by Ed Moreda. All motions were approved by the members present.

Stinson also noted operational hiccups: the district lost about half a box of briquettes after a drain cleaning and received three service requests this week — the first of the season. He said fogging is scheduled to begin next week as adult mosquito activity increases. Joan Blake asked about the 2026–2027 budget status; Stinson said he will follow up with Josh Foli.

The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m., and meeting materials were filed with the recording secretary.