West Nile Virus (Credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/Unsplash)
The Bucks County Department of Health Mosquito Disease Control Program will conduct an ultra-low volume mosquito control operation over a 2-day period on Monday, beginning at 7:45 p.m. in Warminster Township and Warrington Township to reduce high populations of nuisance mosquitoes and mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile Virus.
The treatment will be administered via truck-mounted equipment, spraying mosquito habitats in residential and park locations. Trucks used in the spray are identified with Bucks County seal logos located on the doors. The equipment dispenses Duet at a rate of 0.75 ounces per acre. This product is designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations. These application materials have a very low toxicity profile to mammals and will have negligible impact to non-target insects and the environment.
Treatments will occur in Warminster Township bound by Valley Road, West Bristol Road, York Road (Route 263), Emma Lane, Sloan Road, Worthington Drive, and Park Heights Avenue. In addition, areas bound by West Bristol Road, Mearns Road, Orchard Avenue, Roberts Road, Tennyson Drive, Mueller Road, Ivyland Road, Brennan Drive, and Bellemeade Drive will be treated.
Treatments will occur in Warrington Township bound by Oxford Drive, Bristol Road, Valley Road, Palomino Drive, Philadelphia Avenue, Neshaminy Avenue, Carriage Way, Rodgers Avenue, and Blackhorse Drive will be treated
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 Pennsylvania Department of Health, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis.
Weather conditions and other unexpected events could delay or cancel this spray operation. If conditions do not allow application on Day-1 of the operation August 25, subsequently Tuesday evening, August 26, will serve as the back-up spray date. If conditions do not allow application on Day-2 of the operation August 26, subsequently Wednesday evening, August 27, will serve as the back-up spray date.
You can help protect yourself and your community from West Nile Virus by getting rid of standing water around your home. Mosquitoes can breed in even small amounts of water that could be found in items including flowerpots, buckets, toys and clogged gutters. Using bug spray and wearing long sleeves, especially around dawn and dusk, can also help keep bites away.
To learn more about mosquitoes and West Nile Virus, click here.
If you have questions or want to report a concern, give the Bucks County Department of Health a call at 215-345-3318.
