The spraying treatment was first used last August.
View full sizeMore mosquito samples from Lehigh and Northampton counties have tested positive for West Nile virus.The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection plans to spray for mosquito larvae Wednesday to help curb the West Nile virus in the area.
The spraying will begin at 3:30 a.m. in residential and industrial parts of Allentown and Bethlehem, according to a news release. In case of rain, the spraying will be done Friday.
Multiple samples of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus have been found in these areas of Lehigh and Northampton counties.
The treatments will be administered with truck-mounted equipment to spray open spaces. The product used will be Methoprene SR20 diluted 1:1 and applied at a rate of .75 oz. per acre, according to the release. The treatment was first used in August 2011; it is non-toxic to mammals and is safe for the environment, the release states.
Individuals can take a number of measures around the home 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 products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacteria kills mosquito larva, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
Additionally, these simple precautions can prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people 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 oil of lemon eucalyptus. 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.
For more information about West Nile virus and the state’s surveillance and control program visit www.westnile.state.pa.us.