The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation has detected the West Nile virus in a mosquito collected from a surveillance trap within the Three Island Crossing State Park in Glenns Ferry. Elmore County Pest Abatement confirmed the positive test on Monday, August 18th.
Ongoing Surveillance in Glenns Ferry
Only one mosquito sample from Three Island Crossing State Park has tested positive for the West Nile virus in 2025, but two other locations in Glenns Ferry have seen positive samples. Elmore County Pest Abatement been regularly surveying the mosquitos of Glenns Ferry for several years now.
At the state park, one surveillance trap is set weekly usually near the river in the day-use area. The Idaho Bureau of Laboratories tested mosquitoes from the trap and determined that they were positive for West Nile virus. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has confirmed West Nile virus activity across 7 southern Idaho Counties.
Elmore County Pest Abatement has been treating the park and surrounding areas for mosquitoes throughout the mosquito season. This includes the application of larvicides to standing water to reduce mosquito populations and nighttime fogging applications with general-use insecticides in a fine aerosol form that remains airborne.
“If we see campers in tents or people sitting by the fire, we shut the fogging machine off. Our goal is always to avoid exposing people. For example, last Friday, because the park was busy, we chose not to enter the campgrounds at all.” – Jason Kinley, Superintendent of Elmore County Pest Abatement.
Protect Yourself From The West Nile Virus
The best way to protect yourself from the West Nile virus is to avoid mosquito bites. The entrance, visitor center, and bathrooms of Three Island Crossing State Park features posted flyers with prevention tips. Additionally, Elmore County Pest Abatement will continue to share updates on their Facebook page.
To fight the bite, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare recommends the following:
- Wear repellent with DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus according to the label. These are all EPA-approved repellents.
- Remove standing water from the area around your home, as this is where mosquitoes usually breed.
- Cover your skin with clothing between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are the most active.
You can learn more about the West Nile virus and its symptoms here.
