Additional Delco Anti-Mosquito Spraying Coming This Week

More areas of Delaware County will be hit with an ultra-low volume insecticide in an effort to limit the adult mosquito population and fight the potential spread of West Nile Virus.

According to county officials, portions of Haverford and Radnor townships will be sprayed the evening of Thursday, Aug. 31.

This is the sixth time the county has sprayed for mosquitoes this summer.

In the event of rain, the spraying will take place Tuesday, Sept. 5

The chemical has a very low toxicity profile to mammals and is safe for the environment, officials said.

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.

The county offered up tips to residents to help limit mosquito populations on their properties:

• 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.

Not only did the county provide tips to limit mosquito numbers, it offered tips to avoid 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, 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.

Visit the state's webpage on the West Nile Virus Control program to learn more about mosquitoes and West Nile Virus.

Image via Shutterstock