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Mosquito control update: district cites 2025 West Nile spike, warns of possible early 2026 season; tire drop‑off dates posted
Summary
Metropolitan Mosquito Control District told Carver County commissioners that 2025 was a record West Nile year in the Twin Cities ("over 45 human cases"); the district plans larval and targeted adult treatments, increased drone use, and district tire drop‑off events (Carver County date cited as June 3).
Officials from the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District briefed Carver County commissioners on 2025 results and the 2026 outlook, warning that heavy rain and late snowmelt could produce an early, active season.
"It was a record year for West Nile virus. So we had over 45 human cases in the Twin Cities," Alex Carlson, the district’s public affairs manager, told the board. He said the district recorded a very high mosquito infection rate last year (about an 18.7 percent positivity rate for the relevant vector species) and that some species, including cattail mosquitoes, peaked earlier than usual — contributing to human infections.
Daniel Huff, MMCD executive director, and Carlson described the district’s integrated pest management approach: surveillance and species identification, larval control (the district cited about 280,000 acres of larval control in the last season) and targeted adult control (far fewer acres), plus increased use of drones in every county. The presenters also outlined public‑facing resources: a new online map that shows breeding sites and treatment history for specific addresses, a "submit a tip" form and weekly summer reports.
On the tire program — which removes a common breeding habitat — Carlson said the district will again hold county drop‑off events and will accept up to 10 tires per household at no cost (proof of residence required). Commissioners and staff cited a Carver County date of June 3 for a county drop‑off event; the district said all dates are posted on its website under tire recycling.
Commissioners asked operational questions about helicopters and drones; Carlson said helicopters are contracted (Scott’s helicopter service) while the district owns and operates the drones. The district also reiterated public‑health guidance: tick season peaks in May–June and residents should take precautions. The MMCD asked residents to call the district with mosquito problems and to consult its online resources for maps and guidance.
