The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is taking action against the local mosquito population to mitigate the buzz and bite of summer pests. Scheduled for the evenings of July 31st in Pennypack Park and August 1st in Fairmount Park, Vector Control staff will administer aerosol treatments aimed at adult mosquitoes harboring the potential to carry West Nile virus. The specific streets where spraying will occur can be scoped out on the maps provided by the Health Department's announcement.
Found to have the potential for West Nile virus, the adult mosquito populations in these areas drew the attention of Vector Control staff, who chose to employ DeltAgard®, a quick-evaporating synthetic pyrethroid dispensed from truck-mounted machines drifting through the area as a fine mist, as reported by the City of Philadelphia. The product claims to carry no residual effects, catering to concerns for both human health and environmental impact.
As mosquitoes primarily rest their wings at dusk and dawn, residents are encouraged to minimize outdoor activities during these peak hours. If stepping out is necessary, dressing in long sleeves and pants provides a physical barrier against potential bites. Using EPA-registered insect repellent offers an additional layer of personal protection, deterring mosquitoes from landing on exposed skin.
Residents play a crucial role in disrupting the mosquito life cycle, taking preventative measures like overturning objects that collect water, where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Such proactive steps, coupled with community efforts like the Health Department's targeted spraying, may lead to nipping the itchy issue in the bud. For those eager to avoid the itch and potential diseases that come with mosquito bites, further tips are shared on the Health Department, as per the City of Philadelphia, from sealing homes against these winged invaders to properly using repellents on young children.
