WARRINGTON, PA — The Bucks County Department of Health (BCDH) Mosquito Disease Control Program will conduct an ultra-low volume (ULV) mosquito control operation beginning at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, in Warrington and Warminster townships to reduce high populations of nuisance mosquitoes and mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile virus.
The treatment will be administered using truck-mounted equipment to treat mosquito habitats in residential neighborhoods and park areas. Trucks used during the application are identified by Bucks County seal logos displayed on the doors.
"The equipment dispenses Duet at a rate of 0.75 ounces per acre. The product is designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations," the county said. "The application has very low toxicity to mammals and is expected to have negligible impacts on non-target insects and the environment."
Treatments will occur in Warrington Township in areas bounded by Easton Road (Route 611), Bristol Road, Valley Road, Palomino Drive, Philadelphia Avenue and Carriage Way.
Treatments will occur in Warminster in areas bounded by Carousel Drive, Kemper Drive, W. Bristol Road, Log College Drive and Sinkler Road. Areas bounded by Ivyland Road, Mearns Road, Orchard Avenue, Mason Drive, Whittier Drive, Roberts Road, York Road and Mueller Road will be treated. Additional areas bounded by S. Norristown Road, Gladwyn Road, Cypress Road, York Road and W. County Line Road also will be treated.
Operations may extend into Wednesday with spraying to begin at 8 p.m. in both townships.
Certain mosquito species can carry West Nile virus, which may cause West Nile encephalitis, an infection that results in inflammation of the brain. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of infection.
Weather conditions and other unexpected events could delay or cancel the treatment program, county officials said. If conditions do not allow application on Tuesday, then Wednesday will serve as the back-up treatment date with the potential of extending into Thursday.
The public can help protect themselves and the community from West Nile Virus by getting rid of standing water around the home. Mosquitoes can breed in even small amounts of water found in items such as flowerpots, buckets, toys, and clogged gutters. Using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants, especially during dawn and dusk, can also help prevent mosquito bites.
To learn more about mosquitoes and West Nile Virus, visit dep.pa.gov/westnile. For additional information or to report a concern, contact the Bucks County Department of Health at 215-345-3318.
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