Dauphin County’s West Nile Virus (WNV) Control Program staff will apply treatments at 9 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 4 in East Hanover Township to control the adult mosquito population. The rain date for the application is Wednesday, Aug. 6.
Samples collected by the WNV Control Program have shown a high adult mosquito population carrying the virus. A total of 16 infected mosquito samples have been collected this summer throughout the county. No human cases of WNV have been reported in Dauphin County.
A treatment will be administered in the Dairy Lane area of East Hanover Township. Any residents who do not wish to have their properties sprayed should contact the WNV Control Program coordinator at 717-921-8100 by 4 p.m. on August 4.
The treatments will be administered with ATV-mounted equipment that dispenses 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- How do I get on your “no-spray” list?
Please call the Dauphin County WNV 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 Dauphin County’s WNV Control Program, call the Conservation District at 717-921-8100 or visit www.DauphinCounty.org.