Mosquito Spraying Planned In Lower Makefield

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA — Spraying takes place Tuesday night in the township as part of the Bucks County Department of Health's West Nile Virus Mosquito Control Program.

The county will conduct an ultra-low volume mosquito control operation Tuesday to reduce high populations of nuisance mosquitoes and mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile Virus.

The treatment will be administered via truck-mounted equipment, spraying mosquito habitats in residential and park locations. Trucks used in the spray are identified with Bucks County seal logos located on the doors.

The equipment dispenses Duet at a rate of 0.75 ounces per acre.

The product is designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations. These application materials have a very low toxicity profile to mammals and are expected to have a negligible impact on non-target insects and the environment.

Treatments will occur in Lower Makefield Township areas bound by Sutphin Road, Robin Hood Drive, Forrest Road, Big Oak Road, Daleview Drive, Friar Drive, and South Milton Drive.

Macclesfield Park and areas bounded by Slate Hill Road, River Road, Richard Road, Nancy Road, Ivy Lane, Manor Lane W., and Oakhill Lane will also be treated.

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 Pennsylvania Department of Health, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis.

Weather conditions and other unexpected events could delay or cancel this spray operation. If conditions do not allow application on Tuesday, Wednesday night will serve as the back-up spray date.

Residents can protect themselves and their community from the West Nile virus by getting rid of standing water around their homes.

Mosquitoes can breed in even small amounts of water that can be found in items such as flowerpots, buckets, toys, and clogged gutters. Using bug spray and wearing long sleeves, especially around dawn and dusk, can also help keep bites away.

To learn more about mosquitoes and West Nile Virus, click here.

Anyone with questions or concerns should contact the Bucks County Department of Health at 215-345-3318.