Spraying Begins in Cross Timbers and Ridgemont Estates.

Lower Macungie officials announced last week that the Lehigh County West Nile Resource Center will start spraying two developments for mosquitos late this evening.

The truck-mounted ultra low volume adult mosquito control operations are taking place in the Cross Timbers and Ridgemont Estates developments in response to high populations of adult mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile Virus that have been detected in these areas.

Sprayers will use Duet, a dual action adulticide applied at a rate of .75 ounces per acre, the township said.

The insecticide has a very low toxicity for mammals and is safe for the environment, they said.

To prevent mosquito bites, they said, take precautions:

Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.

Consider wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors particularly at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Use insect repellants according to manufacturers' instructions. An effective repellant will contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Consult a doctor about the use of repellant on children. It is not recommended for use on children under two months old.

Direct questions to the Lehigh County West Nile Center at 610-366-8345. For more information, visit the state's website about surveillance and control programs.