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Control District does not use any methods that suffocates the larva, because it would have <br />non-targeted effects and kill other aquatic life forms. <br /> <br />The District uses pyrethrin when spraying for adult mosquitoes. This is a botanical <br />chemical derived from chrysanthemums. Although it is a nonspecific insecticide, it has a <br />low toxicity to mammals. This insecticide is the active ingredient in head lice medication <br />and flea and tick collars. The District uses it as a mosquito barrier. It not only kills the <br />mosquitoes that come into direct 'contact with it, but it also acts as a mosquito repellant. <br />The down side with pyrethrin is that, being derived from a flower, it may cause a reaction <br />in people with allergies. <br /> <br />The goal of mosquito control is to reduce them to a tolerable level. A complete <br />eradication of mosquitoes would have a negative effect on the creatures that feed on <br />them. <br /> <br />How to Become Part of the Mosquito Control District <br />Apparently only counties can become members of the Metropolitan Mosquito Control <br />District. Sherburne County would have to petition to become part of the District. It <br />probably makes sense for Elk River to be part of the District only if Sherburne County <br />joins anyway. Mosquitoes are carried by the wind, which in the summer are prevailingly <br />from the west. About ten years ago, part of Sherburne County was sprayed to keep our <br />mosquitoes from migrating into Anoka County. <br /> <br />Since the special taxing district for mosquito control was authorized by the Legislature, it <br />may also take special legislation for Sherburne County to join. Dallas Bohnsack, Scott <br />County Commissioner and Chair. of the Metropolitan Mosquito Control Commission, <br />should be contacted for more details. <br /> <br />Timing <br />In staff's opinion, it is too late to become part of the Metropolitan Mosquito Control <br />District this summer. Their budget and manpower for the season has already been set and <br />we have missed out on killing the first wave of mosquitoes. If it does take special <br />legislation for Sherburne County to join the District, that process should be started <br />immediately for next summer's control. <br /> <br />Cost <br />If Sherburne County joins the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District, it will have to levy <br />a special assessment to pay for this service. The current cost is approximately $4.50 per <br />year for a house with a valuation of $120,000. Staff estimates that the total cost for Elk <br />River residents to be part of the District would be $25,000 to $35,000 per year. <br /> <br /> <br />