County Health Department to Spray Adult Mosquitoes

The Bucks County Department of Health (BCDH) West Nile Virus Mosquito Control Program will conduct an ultra-low volume (ULV) mosquito control operation Thursday, July 24, in East Rockhill Township, Perkasie Borough, Quakertown Borough, Richland Township, and Sellersville Borough to reduce high populations of nuisance mosquitoes and mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile Virus.  

The treatment will be administered via truck-mounted equipment, spraying mosquito habitats in residential and park locations. Trucks used in the spray are identified with Bucks County seal logos located on the doors. The equipment dispenses Duet at a rate of 0.75 ounces per acre. This product is designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations. These application materials have a very low toxicity profile to mammals and will have negligible impact to non-target insects and the environment.

• Treatments will occur in East Rockhill Township areas bound by Hillendale Road, Blooming Glen Drive, and Branch Road.
• Treatments will occur in Perkasie Borough areas bound by Dorchester Lane, Branch Road, and West Callowhill Street. In addition, areas within Lenape Park will be treated.
• Treatments will occur in Quakertown Borough areas including Main Street Park, Quakertown Memorial Park, and Quakertown Sports Complex.
• Treatments will occur in Richland Township areas bound by Heller Road, East Mill Street, and Walnut Bank Farm Road.
• Treatments will occur in Sellersville Borough areas bound by Maple Avenue, North Branch Street, and West Park Avenue. In addition, areas within Lenape Park will be treated.

Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which can cause humans to contract West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis.

Weather conditions and other unexpected events could delay or cancel this spray operation. If conditions do not allow application on July 24, subsequently Friday evening, July 25, will serve as the back-up spray date.

You can help protect yourself and your community from West Nile Virus by getting rid of standing water around your home. Mosquitoes can breed in even small amounts of water that could be found in items including flowerpots, buckets, toys and clogged gutters. Using bug spray and wearing long sleeves, especially around dawn and dusk, can also help keep bites away. 

To learn more about mosquitoes and West Nile Virus, visit www.dep.pa.gov/westnile.

If you have questions or want to report a concern, give the Bucks County Department of Health a call at 215-345-3318.

Source:  Bucks County Department of Health