Anti-Mosquito Spray Being Applied In Norristown Monday

NORRSITOWN, PA – Anti-mosquito treatment will be applied in Norristown next week after the Montgomery County Office of Public Health consulted with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) and Norristown Municipality officials.

Officials said the treatment will be applied between 8:15 p.m. and midnight on Monday, Aug. 6.

In the event of inclement weather, the spraying will take place on Monday, Aug. 13.

The area that will be sprayed is featured below:

All areas within the highlighted sections of the attached map will be subjected to the spray.

Residents in the spray area should consider staying indoors, closing windows, and turning off ventilation systems that draw-in outside air for the duration of the spray and for 30 minutes after it's done.

Workers will be using Duet Duel-action Adulticide at a rate of .75 fluid ounces per acre applied with a truck mounted Ultra Low Volume (ULV) sprayer. The spray will be performed by Office of Public Health personnel.

The OPH will work with appropriate agencies to identify, eliminate, and/or treat with larvacide areas where mosquitoes are breeding.

Residents can contact the Office of Public Health at (610) 278-5117 if they are concerned about an area of standing water that may be breeding mosquitoes.

The adult mosquito control program will only be used in limited situations to reduce disease-infected adult mosquitoes.

See full details on West Nile Virus in the state here.

West Nile virus appeared for the first time in Pennsylvania in birds, mosquitoes and a horse in 2000.

It is most commonly spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. It can cause febrile illness, encephalitis, or meningitis, according to the CDC.

According to the CDC, about one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. You can reduce your risk of West Nile Virus by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites, the CDC said.

The best way to control mosquitoes is still to get rid of standing water on your property, according to information provided by the state's West Nile Virus Control Program.

The following guidelines have been offered to help residents minimize their risk:

• Limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk during warmer months since most types of mosquitoes bite most frequently during these times. Be aware though that some types of mosquitoes bite most frequently during the daytime.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and socks. Choose clothing that is light colored and made of tightly woven material.
• Stay in places with air conditioning and window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are outside.
• Cover or empty containers such as trash cans, wading pools, wheelbarrows, and pots.
• Turn containers upside down when not in use so they don't collect water.
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers.
• Get rid of old tires.
• Change the water in bird baths every three to five days.
• Check storm drains, window wells, and underneath leaky faucets for standing water.

Image via Shutterstock