12/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 13/08/2024 01:21
These previously scheduled sprays did not happen due to weather conditions. This release is the same as the previous one, but with updated dates and product name.
PHILADELPHIA-The Philadelphia Department of Public Health's Vector Control staff is planning to apply treatments to control adult mosquitoes in Pennypack Park on Tuesday evening, August 13, and in Fairmount Park on Wednesday evening, August 14, both at or around dusk. Rain dates will take place on the following evening, if weather conditions don't allow for the spray. See maps below for the specific streets that spraying will take place on.
Samples taken by Vector Control staff in the targeted area have shown adult mosquito populations that can potentially carry the West Nile virus. The treatments will be administered via a truck-mounted machine spraying fine aerosol droplets. The mist stays aloft and kills mosquitoes on contact. The truck-mounted operation will spray Duet®, which is a synthetic pyrethroid. This product has no residual effects and evaporates quickly into the atmosphere.
Certain mosquitoes species carry West Nile virus, which, when transmitted to people, can cause West Nile encephalitis, and infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. Individuals are urged to take personal protection precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent with an EPA registered active ingredient and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
Individuals can take a number of measures around the home to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:
To prevent mosquito bites:
For more information about West Nile virus and the state's surveillance and control program, go to www.westnile.state.pa.us. For questions on the West Nile Virus program in Philadelphia, call 215-685-9000.