Mosquito Spraying Continues in Crawford County

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg PA., 17120

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Meadville, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will conduct a mosquito control operation to decrease populations of mosquitoes and reduce the risk of West Nile virus transmission on Thursday, August 5, 2021, in the city of Meadville as well as Fairfield and Vernon Townships.

Truck-mounted, Ultra Low Volume (ULV) spray equipment will be utilized to spray Aquaduet, a reduced-risk pesticide product registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), applied at a rate of .66 oz/acre. The active ingredients in Aquaduet are prallethrin and sumithrin. This product is diluted with water and designed to provide quick knockdown and effective control of adult mosquitoes

After collecting adult mosquito traps, DEP's Northwest Regional Office determined that adult mosquito population thresholds were met, and control is warranted to assist in reducing the mosquito populations in these areas.

The control work will begin late in the evening, between 7:30 PM and 10:30 PM. The route boundaries will focus on the areas in:

• Fairfield Township along Nickelplate Road and the area along SR 285, from the intersection of West Church Street to the intersection of Peterson Road.

• Vernon Township in the area between Rogers Ferry Road and South Mosiertown Road and along Dunham Road and Turner Road.

• City of Meadville, the area between Spring Street and Rogers Ferry Road.

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.

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 can 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 (short for Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis) 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.

Additionally, these simple precautions can prevent mosquito bites, especially for people who are most at risk, like people who may be immunocompromised or are age 50 and older:

• 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 manufacturer's instructions. An effective repellent will contain DEET, picaridin, 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.

For more information about West Nile virus and the state's surveillance and control program, please visit www.dep.pa.gov/westnile.

Weather conditions and other unexpected events could delay or cancel this spray operation. A rain date of Monday, August 9, 2021, will be used, if necessary.

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