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Aerial mosquito spraying extended to combat West Nile virus

Ouachita Parish Mosquito Abatement District
Ouachita Parish Mosquito Abatement District
Ouachita Parish Mosquito Abatement District

In a proactive effort to safeguard public health, the Ouachita Parish Mosquito Abatement District has announced an extension of its aerial mosquito spraying program. The additional spraying is scheduled for the evening of Thursday, July 24, 2025, beginning at 8:30 p.m. and concluding around 12:00 a.m. This initiative aims to ensure comprehensive coverage in areas heavily affected by the West Nile virus.

The decision to extend the spraying comes after two consecutive nights of aerial applications aimed at controlling mosquito populations that pose a risk to community health. The targeted areas include urban regions of Monroe and West Monroe, as well as parts of Sterlington, Richwood, Bawcomville/Brownsville, and the Howard Brown area along Hwy 3033.

Ms. Kellie Nestrud, the director of the Ouachita Parish Mosquito Abatement District, emphasized the importance of this measure. "We are committed to protecting our community from the risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases. This extended spraying will help us achieve complete coverage and minimize the threat of the West Nile virus," she stated.

Residents are encouraged to take precautions during the spraying hours, such as staying indoors and ensuring that windows and doors are closed.

Originally from Monroe, Cory has worked in a variety of media. He has worked in television news and spent seven years as a TV sports play-by-play announcer. He was also creative director for a television advertising department and worked extensively as a photojournalist. Cory has lived in both Dallas and New Orleans.