Dauphin County Mosquito-Borne Disease Control Program to apply treatment for portions of Washington and Wiconisco townships and Lykens Borough

DAUPHIN, PA (August 9, 2018) – Dauphin County’s Mosquito-Borne Disease Control Program staff will apply treatments at approximately 9 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 13 in portions of Washington Township, Lykens Borough and Wiconisco Township to control the adult mosquito population and the spread of West Nile Virus (WNV). A total of 73 WNV-infected mosquito samples have been collected in Dauphin County this year.

In the event of inclement weather, the spray will be conducted on August 15.

The treatment, Biomist 3 + 15, a permethrin insecticide product, will be administered using ATV-mounted equipment and dispensed 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. The areas of Oakdale Station Road and the Lykens and Wiconisco sewage treatment plants will be targeted.

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.