DEP To Spray Springfield For Mosquitoes

The following information has been provided by the Pennsylvania West Nile Virus Control Program in a press release:

The Department of Environmental Protection will apply treatments the evening of Thursday, July 19, in portions of Springfield Township, Delaware County, to control adult mosquito populations. In the event of rain, the spraying will be rescheduled for the evening of Friday, July 20.

The treatment will be administered with truck-mounted equipment to spray open spaces in residential and recreational areas. The equipment dispenses Biomist 3+15 at a rate of 1.25 ounces per acre.

This product is designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations. The application material has a very low toxicity profile to mammals and is safe for the environment.

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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis.

Mosquito samples in 32 counties have been identified with the West Nile virus so far this year. No human cases have been confirmed.

Pennsylvania's West Nile Virus Control Program website reports four days with positive tests for mosquitoes with West Nile virus in Springfield Township, July 10, June 28, June 21 and June 20.

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