Munster’s mosquito-spraying program is once again set to take flight Tuesday after a brief pause, the town announced.
The town, which paused the program June 6 because of residents’ concerns, said it’s resuming the foggers because of “increased mosquito activity throughout our area and the associated public health risks, including mosquito-borne illnesses.” The fogging will resume the evening of June 30, according to a Monday release.
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“With high temperatures, increased humidity, and more residents expected to spend time outdoors during the holiday weekend, the Town is prioritizing public health and safety,” it said. “We appreciate the feedback shared by residents over the past month. After review, resuming the program is the appropriate course of action to protect community health.
The town said the truck-mounted, ultra-low volume units to spray U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved insecticide Perm-X UL4-4 and that the amounts of it sprayed are smaller compared with the treated area, the release said. As well, the employees who operate the machines are licensed by the Office of the Indiana State Chemist.
The town will also treat its storm sewer catch basins and “major areas of stagnant water in the public right of way,” according to the release. Residents, meanwhile, can help the town’s efforts by reducing standing water around their homes, keeping their lawns mowed and trimmed, keeping rain barrels covered or screened, and cleaning their gutters regularly to prevent accumulated water.
Residents earlier this month told the Town Council that they feared the pesticide’s effects even if they opt out of their yard getting sprayed because of the pesticide’s reach, the Post-Tribune reported. Exposure to it “may be associated with eye, skin, nose, throat irritation, breathing problems, including coughing, losing chest tightness, and nervous spasms.”
In 2025, Lake and Porter counties had one human West Nile Virus case apiece, according to the Indiana Department of Health’s Mosquito-Borne Illness Dashboard. Lake County had at least 28 mosquito pools test positive for West Nile, while Porter County had 11 mosquito pools with West Nile.
Most people who are infected with West Nile virus will not develop symptoms, but those who do may experience a mild form of the illness, which can include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash, according to the IDOH. Some people will develop a more severe form of the disease affecting the nervous system, including inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, muscle paralysis or even death.
People over 60 and those with underlying health conditions tend to be at greater risk for developing more severe forms of the virus.
Residents can take precautions, including eliminating standing water in their yards, using EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long sleeves, and avoiding going outside during peak feeding at dusk and dawn.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.