The Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Office of Public Health (OPH) has announced plans for a mosquito-spraying operation in select areas of Pottstown. This decision, made in coordination with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) and the Borough of Pottstown officials, aims to control the adult mosquito population, particularly after sampling showed mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus (WNV).
Set for Monday, August 18, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., the spray event will target Riverfront Park in Pottstown, weather permitting, as reported by the official Montgomery County website. Should weather conditions prove unfavourable, the alternative date is scheduled for Monday, August 25. During the spray, residents living in the highlighted sections of the attached map should consider staying indoors, closing windows, and turning off any ventilation pulling air from outside for the duration of the spraying and an additional 30 minutes afterwards.
OPH personnel will conduct the spraying operations using Duet® Duel-Action Adulticide, applied at a rate of 0.75 fluid ounces per acre by an ATV mounted Ultra Low Volume (ULV) sprayer. In their ongoing effort to reduce disease-infected mosquitoes, OPH will partner with the necessary agencies to identify and treat or eliminate mosquito breeding areas, using larvicide where required. Concerned residents about standing water as potential mosquito breeding grounds can contact OPH at 610.278.5117 or email [email protected] for assistance. The adult mosquito control program is set to be deployed in limited situations.
The OPH also provides several tips for residents to eliminate areas conducive to mosquito breeding on their property, like regularly checking and repairing windows and screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes. Residents should eliminate standing water and dispose of containers capable of collecting it, such as old tires, buckets, and toys, to control mosquito populations effectively. Detailed information about the products used in the spraying is available on the OPH mosquitoes website, and those looking to be notified of future spray events can sign up with ReadyMontco. Regularly emptied after it rains, plant containers and bird baths can help reduce water accumulation, and residents should make sure roof gutters are draining properly, avoiding pooling water, as detailed by the Montgomery County announcement.
