Chester County To Spray For Mosquitoes In Areas Where West Nile Virus Found

The Chester County Department of Health will conduct mosquito sprayings in parts of Kennett Square Borough as well as New Garden and Kennett townships on Wednesday from 8 p.m. through midnight.

According to the county, the areas receiving treatment have recently seen mosquitoes that have tested positive for West Nile Virus. Residents in these areas could be at risk of contracting the virus, officials said.

“Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus which, when transmitted to people, can cause West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain,” read a statement from the Chester County Health Department. “All residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis.”

The county has provided an online map of the treatment area here.

For further information about the products being used, visit the EPA website athttp://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/mosquitoes.

Here are more tips to reduce exposure to West Nile:

• Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers that hold water.
• Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.
• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year as the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains.
• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers. If a resident has stagnant pools of water on their property, they can buy BTI products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacterium kills mosquito larvae, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
• Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.
• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.
• Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellent will contain DEET, picardin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician for questions about the use of repellent on children, as repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months.