County To Spray For Mosquitoes In Bristol Twp.

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA — Bucks County's health department will be spraying for mosquitoes on Thursday in Bristol Township.

The county Mosquito Control Program will conduct what's called an ultra-low volume (ULV) mosquito control operation to reduce high populations of the insects capable of transmitting the West Nile virus. Mosquito habitats will be sprayed from truck-mounted equipment in residential areas and at parks.

In Bristol, the area being treated will be bounded by Plumbridge Drive, Margin Road and Mill Drive in the Mill Creek Falls section of Levittown.

Trucks used in the spray will be marked with Bucks County seal logos on the doors.

According to the county, the equipment dispenses DeltaGard at a rate of .75 ounces per acre. That's a product designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations. The county says the materials "have a very low toxicity profile to mammals and will have negligible impact to non-target insects and the environment."

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 Thursday, the health department will try again on Friday.

For more information about mosquitoes and West Nile virus, you may visit the state Department of Health Web page about it. The Bucks County Department of Health can be reached at 215-345-3318.

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