BANNOCK COUNTY, Idaho — As the NCAA tournament tips off, Bannock County is launching its own version of “March Madness.” The community is invited to help name the newest recruit at the Mosquito Abatement District: a high-tech Hylio AG-230 pesticide drone.
The drone is a critical addition to the County’s public health mission. By reaching remote marshy areas and stagnant water that traditional trucks cannot access, the drone allows the team to stop mosquitoes at the source—preventing the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus.
To celebrate its arrival, the County is inviting residents to submit name suggestions for the drone starting today.
“We wanted a fun way to introduce the public to this new technology,” said Dana Evans, Bannock County Mosquito Abatement supervisor. “This drone is going to help us reach areas that were previously inaccessible, and we can’t wait to see the creative names our community comes up with.”
Purchased in 2024, the drone can treat up to 60 acres per hour with precision, while also protecting fields and marshes from damage caused by heavy trucks. The drone also assists the county’s noxious weed control efforts. After a successful first season in 2025, the County wants to give this hard-working tool an official name.
Contest Details
The naming contest is open to all Bannock County residents. A review panel will select the top submissions to face off in a “bracket-style” tournament on Bannock County’s Facebook and Instagram. The bracket tournament begins Tuesday, March 24. The final championship round will be held on Monday, April 6, with the winner announced the following day.
Entry Rules
- One entry per person
- All entries must be received by Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
- All names must be family-friendly. Offensive language and political statements will be disqualified.
- Names should be 25 characters or fewer.
- Be Creative! We encourage names that relate to Idaho, Bannock County, mosquito control, or aviation.
To submit a name idea, use our provided submission form or visit the Bannock County Facebook or Instagram pages.
