Delaware County Mosquito Spraying set for August 24th

The Department of Environmental Protection will apply an Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) mosquito treatment the evening of Thursday, August 24, 2017 to portions of Upper Chichester, Lower Chichester, Marcus Hook, and Trainer Boroughs in Delaware County. The purpose of these sprayings is to control the population of adult mosquitoes and reduce the risk of spreading Mosquito-Borne Viruses. In the event of rain, the spraying will be rescheduled for Monday, August 28, 2017.

The treatment will be administered with truck-mounted equipment to spray open spaces in residential and recreational areas. The equipment dispenses Deltagard at a rate of 0.66 ounces per acre. This product is designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations. The application material has a very low toxicity profile to mammals and is safe for the environment. Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile Virus, which can cause humans to contract West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis.

Individuals can take measures to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:

Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers that hold water on your property.
Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.
Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
Clean clogged roof gutters every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees tend to plug drains.
Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
Turn over wheelbarrows and don't let water stagnate in birdbaths.
Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers.
For stagnant pools of water, homeowners can buy Bti (Bacillus thuringienses israelensis) known as "mosquito dunks" at home improvement and other stores. Bti is a naturally-occurring soil bacterium that biodegrades quickly and kills mosquito and blackfly larvae, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.

Additionally, these precautions can prevent mosquito bites, particularly for those most at risk:

Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.
When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.
Use insect repellants according to the manufacturer's instructions. An effective repellant will contain DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician for questions about the use of repellant on children, as repellant is not recommended for children under the age of two months.

For more information about West Nile Virus and the state's surveillance and control program, residents can visit www.westnile.state.pa.us.