Anti-Mosquito Spraying Planned For 4 Delco Towns Thursday

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — After Delaware County health officials found mosquito pools containing West Nile Virus, crews will be applying mosquito adulticide spray Thursday.

The Delaware County Health Department’s Mosquito-Borne Disease Control team is planning to spray areas of Upper Darby Township, Lansdowne Borough, Yeadon Borough and Darby Borough on Thursday.

Crews will conduct an Ultra-Low Volume mosquito adulticide spray in specific areas of those municipalities.

Residential and recreational areas within the treatment zone will be treated to control adult mosquitoes.

Treatment will take place during Thursday at about 8 p.m. Spraying is expected to be completed by 11 p.m., so long as on weather and environmental conditions allow spraying.

Should conditions be poor, spraying will take place Monday, officials said.

Officials said this spraying operation is the result of high trap counts and the identification of positive mosquito pools containing West Nile Virus in the area.

West Nile virus is an infection that is spread by infected mosquitoes biting humans that can cause neurologic symptoms.

Many people who are infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms, however, one in five people infected will develop flu-like symptoms and fever. Unexplained headaches, weakness, and fatigue are symptoms of West Nile virus and those who experience these symptoms should reach out to their primary care provider.

The Delaware County Health Department will perform the treatment using truck-mounted spraying equipment. The product used will be Duet Dual Action adulticide, applied at a rate of 0.64 ounces per acre, designed to provide quick and effective control of adult mosquitoes. For resident safety and information, the business license ‘BU13865’ will be visible on department equipment.

Individuals are encouraged to take personal protection measures to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes.

To protect themselves and to help prevent the spread of West Nile virus, residents are also encouraged to remember the ‘Three D’s’:

• DRAIN - Buckets, flowerpots, pet water dishes, clogged rain gutters, and other sources of standing water outside your home
• DRESS -Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you are outdoors, weather permitting
• DEFEND- Wear insect repellent with DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus on exposed skin when outdoors