NORRISTOWN: Environmental Protection Southeast Regional Director Joseph A. Feola today announced that aerial treatments to control large populations of mosquito larvae will be conducted in Philadelphia on Wednesday, June 7 in areas where sampling has shown increased levels of mosquito production.

“The target areas are large mosquito production habitats for the species that potentially can carry the West Nile virus,” Feola said. “We think we can do a better job of eliminating mosquito larvae through aerial applications than through traditional application methods on the ground.”

Beginning around 8 a.m. Wednesday, Helicopter Applicators Inc. of Gettysburg, Adams County, will spray the granular larvacide VectoLex CG over wetlands in and around the biosolid and wastewater treatment plants operated by Philadelphia near Penrose Ferry Road in the southwest portion of the city. They also will treat wetlands on the east side of the Philadelphia International Airport. Later in the morning, the applicator will spray wetlands at the city’s northeast wastewater treatment plant, located near the Betsy Ross Bridge.

VectoLex CG is not a chemical pesticide; rather, it is a species-specific bacterial agent that targets mosquito and black fly larvae when added to the water in production areas.

Certain species of mosquitoes carry West Nile virus, which, when transmitted to people, can cause 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 of areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis; people over 50 have the highest risk of severe disease.

There have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Pennsylvania so far this year.

There are things every individual can do around the home to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas. Some of these tips include:

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have collected on your property.
• Pay attention to discarded tires. Stagnant water in tires are where most mosquitoes breed.
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.
• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug up the drains. Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. Stagnant water in a wading pool becomes a place for mosquitoes to breed.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths. Both provide breeding habitats for domestic mosquitoes.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use. A swimming pool left untended by a family on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on pool covers.
• For stagnant pools of water, homeowners can buy Bti products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement, and other stores. This naturally occurring bacteria kills mosquito larvae but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.

In addition, here are some simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites, particularly for those individuals who are most at risk:

• 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, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician if you have questions about the use of repellent on children, as repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months.

For more information about West Nile virus and the state’s surveillance and control program, go to www.westnile.state.pa.us.

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CONTACT: Dennis Harney

Phone: (484) 250-5900

Press Release June 6th 2006