CARLISLE>> The Cumberland County West Nile Program will spray Thursday for mosquitoes in some residential and recreational areas of Southampton, South Newton and Dickinson townships.
High populations of mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile virus have been found in the areas.
If conditions do not allow spraying on Thursday, the following evening will serve as the back-up spray date.
Truck-mounted equipment will dispense the same active ingredient contained in an over-the-counter shampoo used for treating head lice.
The product (Biomist 3+15) is designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The material has a very low toxicity profile to mammals and will have negligible impact to non-target insects and 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 Pennsylvania Department of Health, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis.
The virus has been detected this year in 10 counties, including Cumberland County where it was found mosquito populations sampled from Mount Holly Springs and Middlesex Township. The other counties are Franklin, Adams, Beaver, Berks, Centre, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware and Northumberland.
Residents can help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas:
• Dispose of cans and similar containers that hold water.
• Properly dispose of discarded tires.
• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned.
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Don't let water stagnate in birdbaths.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools 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 various stores. The naturally occurring bacterium kills mosquito larvae, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
Simple precautions can prevent mosquito bites:
• Make sure door and window screens fit tightly.
• 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.
• 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.
For more information visit www.westnile.state.pa.us