The Bucks County West Nile Program will be conducting an ultra-low volume mosquito control operation in parts of Bristol and Falls Township tomorrow. The operation is to reduce high populations of mosquitoes capable of transmitting the West Nile Virus, according to the program.
Bucks County is currently listed as ‘Moderate Risk’ on the program’s website.
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Such treatments will be administered by truck-mounted equipment throughout both residential and recreational mosquito habitats within the area. The product is designed to provide quick, effective control of the adult mosquito populations and is composed of a very low toxicity profile to mammals.
The program warns that weather conditions or other unexpected events can delay or cancel the spraying set for August 12. August 13, if needed will serve as a backup date.
According to The Bucks County West Nile Program, only certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus and any resident in an area where virus activity has been identified is at risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis.
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West Nile encephalitis is an infection that can cause an inflammation in the brain.
In 2014 alone, 33 Pennsylvania counties, including Bucks, have been targeted by West Nile virus.
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According to the program, individuals can take a number of precautionary measures around their homes to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:
- Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers that hold water
- Properly dispose of discarded tires that collect water. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed
- Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers
- Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year as the 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 not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers. If a resident has stagnant pools of water on their property, they can buy BTI products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacterium kills mosquito larvae, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants
- 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 repellents according to the manufacturers instructions. An effective repellent will contain DEET, picardin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician for questions about the use of repellent on children, as repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months.
