Delco To Begin Mosquito-Spraying Program

Delaware County plans to spray mosquitos this week, as part of the county’s overall efforts to combat West Nile Virus.

Portions of Darby, Lansdowne, Yeadon, Aldan, Clifton Heights and Collingdale boroughs will sprayed, as will Upper Darby Township, the county said.

The spraying is scheduled for Monday, July 28, and Tuesday, July 29. In the event of rain at the beginning of the week, spraying will also be done on Wednesday, July 30.

“These products are designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations,” the county said. “The application materials have a very low toxicity profile to mammals and are safe for the environment.”

The county’s spraying equipment dispenses Biomist 3+15 at a rate of .75 ounces per acre, Delaware County said.

West Nile virus has been found in 27 Pennsylvania counties this year.

Delaware County recommends taking the following precautions to limit your risk:

• 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, particularly if 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.
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.
For more information about West Nile Virus and the state’s surveillance and control program, visit www.westnile.state.pa.us.