Mosquito Spraying Planned For July 26-27 In Prince George's County

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Out of concern for mosquito-borne diseases, an ultra-low volume truck-based spraying will be conducted to control adult mosquitoes Wednesday night within a three-fourths of a mile radius of Kavanaugh Way and Kenly Place in Bowie and Thursday night within a three-fourths of a a mile radius at the dead end of 70th Place in Seat Pleasant.

Spraying will be done after 7:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, spraying will be rescheduled for the next available evening. Any existing spray exemptions in the area will be temporarily suspended.

Anne Arundel County Health Department officials disclosed that mosquitoes trapped in two parts of the county tested positive for West Nile virus last week. So far, no human cases have been reported in Anne Arundel County.

MDA Mosquito Control Program personnel will use a permethrin-based solution that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved for use in public health mosquito control programs without posing unreasonable risks to human health. However, out of an abundance of caution, MDA recommends avoiding outdoor activities during spraying.

Some tips for reducing mosquito breeding areas, residents can reduce breeding mosquitoes in their yards and neighborhoods by eliminating standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs:

• Remove discarded automobile tires and put drainage holes in playground tires;
• Remove or turn over buckets and other containers that can collect rain water;
• Turn over children’s wading pools, wheelbarrows, canoes and garbage can lids;
• Clean roof gutters and downspout screens regularly;
• Flush bird baths and potted plant drainage trays twice weekly;
• Fix dripping outdoor water faucets, and eliminate puddles under air conditioners;
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools; and
• Adjust tarps over pools, boats, etc. so that rainwater will not collect.

West Nile Virus is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes and affects the nervous system. The virus cannot be transmitted from one person to another or from birds to people.

Some people infected with the West Nile Virus develop:

• Body aches
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea
• Rash
• Swollen lymph glands
• Vomiting

Health officials shared these tips to stay safe from mosquito bites:

• Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.
• Remove standing water. Emptying out water that collects in toys, tires, trash cans, buckets, clogged rain gutters and plant pots will prevent mosquitoes a place to lay their eggs and reproduce.
• Keep all swimming pools chlorinated and filtered. Backyard ponds should include fish to control mosquito larvae.
• Consider using EPA-registered repellent such as those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone.
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect infants when outdoors.
• Wear long, loose fitting, light-colored clothing.
• Regularly clean bird baths and bowls for pet food and water.