Dauphin County Mosquito-Borne Disease Control Program schedules treatment for a portion of Washington Township

HARRISBURG, PA (July 2, 2018) – Dauphin County’s Mosquito-Borne Disease Control Program staff will apply treatments at 9:30 p.m. on Monday, July 2 in a portion of Washington Township to control the adult mosquito population and the spread of West Nile Virus (WNV). Two WNV-infected mosquito samples were collected in the township in June.

 A total of three positive samples have been collected this year. One infected sample was found in Paxtang Borough.

The treatment will be administered using ATV-mounted equipment and contains Biomist 3 + 15, a permethrin insecticide product, at a rate of 0.75 ounces per acre. This is a very low concentration of a pesticide that has been tested and approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for use in controlling adult mosquito populations in and around people.

Frequently asked questions about mosquito control:

1.  Should I wash toys and other items in the yard at the time of the application?

It is not necessary to wash items in your yard after the application.  Due to low application rates, any exposure from contact with these surfaces would be low and pose negligible risks.

2.  Should I cover the pool before the application?

No, residue in a pool would be low and also diluted by the water in the pool.

3.  Should I close the windows and turn off my air conditioner?

The ULV vapor disperses readily, and little movement of the material into open windows with screens is expected.  However, individuals with upper respiratory problems, such as asthma, may react to ULV applications.  Closing windows and turning off air conditioners is recommended for those with upper respiratory problems. 

 4.  How long should I wait before I let my pet out?    

When the chemical is applied at the labeled rates, there are wide margins of safety for humans, dogs, cats and other mammals.  Indoor pets may be "let out" immediately following the application.  Outdoor pets may be left outdoors.

5.  How long should I wait before allowing the children to enter the yard?

The ULV vapor disperses very quickly after the application.  Individuals with respiratory problems may react to ULV application.  People with these health issues may want to wait an hour before resuming outdoor activities in treated areas. 

6. How do I get on your “no-spray” list?

Please call the Dauphin County Mosquito-Borne Disease Control Program at 717-921-8100 to be placed on the list.

To learn more about WNV and prevention, visit the CDC’s Web site at www.cdc.gov/westnile.  For more information about the county’s program, call the Conservation District at 717-921-8100.

County Commissioners Jeff Haste, Mike Pries and George P. Hartwick, III urge citizens to take the following precautions to reduce the mosquito population and protect themselves:

  • Buy products with Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis)--a  naturally-occurring bacteria that kills mosquito larvae but is safe for people, pets and plants--for stagnant pools of water in the lawn and garden.
  • Remove  any standing water in pots, containers, pool covers, tires, wheelbarrows,  wading pools, roof gutters and other containers that hold water.
  • 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.
  • Reduce  outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.
  • Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellent will contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician if you have questions about the  use of repellent on children, as repellent is not recommended for children  under the age of two months.