Effort to reduce risk of West Nile virus scheduled for Thursday night
A map shows the general area that will be the focus of the county’s mosquito-spraying on Thursday night in Caln Township.
Weather permitting, the Chester County Health Department will conduct a mosquito-control treatment in portions of Caln Township on Thursday between 8 and 11 p.m., said a department news release.
The treatment will be administered with truck-mounted spray equipment. The equipment dispenses Permanone RTU, a permethrin insecticide product, at a rate of 1.5 ounces per acre. These products are designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations. The application materials have a very low toxicity profile to mammals and are safe for the environment when used in accordance with prescribed application methods.
Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus which, when transmitted to people, can cause West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. All residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis.
“Although spraying is conducted to help reduce the mosquito populations, treatments cannot totally eliminate mosquitoes,” said County Health Director Margaret Rivello. “Residents should take precautions to help reduce contact with mosquitoes and breeding areas.”
The Health Department recommends the following precautions to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas:
- Dispose of open containers that may collect water, such as tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, etc.
- Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers so that water will not collect.
- Keep your property clear of old tires.
- Clean roof gutters, particularly if leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency 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 when not in use. A swimming pool left untended by a family on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on pool covers.
- For stagnant pools of water that cannot be removed or drained, homeowners can buy Bti products, such as mosquito dunks, at lawn/garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacterial product kills mosquito larvae but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
In addition, take these simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites:
- 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, stay indoors at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use insect repellants. An effective repellant will contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always be sure to follow the manufacturer label directions. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician if you have questions about the use of repellant on children, as repellant is not recommended for children under the age of two months.
To receive email notifications of future sprays, visit http://chesco.org/index.aspx?NID=2180. For more information, visit the county’s web site: www.chesco.org or call the Health Department at 610-344-6752.
