LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department will conduct early-morning mosquito spraying in the 40505 zip code area on Thursday, July 23, between 3 and 6 a.m., according to a health department announcement.

The spraying was prompted after a mosquito trap deployed at Johnsdale Drive caught a large number of mosquitoes. The treatment will target areas around Castlewood Park, Johnson Heights Park, and portions of the Eastland Parkway and Meadows/Loudon communities.

The spray targets adult flying mosquitoes at the time of application and will only proceed if wind speeds remain below 10 mph, temperatures exceed 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and there is no rain or dense fog.

The timing of the spray comes as West Nile virus activity has been reported in 23 states this year, the highest number this early in a decade, according to the CDC. Peak West Nile Virus transmission is forecast for July 1 through September 30, and the 2026 U.S. mosquito outlook projects a 10 to 15 percent increase in mosquito activity compared to the recent baseline.

Residents are advised to eliminate standing water in flowerpots, buckets, and clogged gutters, which serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The health department recommends using insect repellents with DEET or picaridin during outdoor activities and wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, particularly during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

For more information about the health department's mosquito program, residents can visit the LFCHD website or follow the health department on social media.