The Bucks County West Nile Virus Prevention Program will conduct an ultra-low volume (ULV) mosquito spray control operation Tuesday, Aug. 24, in Bristol and Bensalem Townships to reduce high populations of mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile virus.
The treatments 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 truck equipment dispenses Biomist 3+15 Adulticide at a rate of 1.5 ounces per acre. These products are designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations. The application materials have a very low toxicity profile to mammals and will have negligible impact to non-target insects and the environment.
In Bensalem Township, the Bensalem Country Club will be treated. In Bristol Township, the Red Cedar Hill, Oaktree Hollow, and Dogwood Hollow sections will be treated, including Junewood Drive and Norman Avenue adjacent to the Dogwood Hollow section. In addition, the section of Kenwood between Haines Road and Kingwood Lane will 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 Aug. 24, subsequently Wednesday evening, Aug. 25 will serve as the back-up spray date.
For additional information about adult mosquitoes and West Nile Virus, please go to http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/. The Bucks County Department of Health can be reached at 215-345-3318.