County To Spray For Mosquitoes In Newtown And Wrightstown

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The Bucks County Department of Health (BCDH) West Nile Virus Mosquito Control Program will conduct an ultra-low volume mosquito control operation on Monday, Aug. 14 to reduce high populations of nuisance mosquitoes and mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile Virus in Newtown, Northampton and Wrightstown townships.

The treatment 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 equipment dispenses Biomist 3+15 at a rate 0.75 ounces per acre.

The product is designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations. These application materials have a very low toxicity profile to mammals and will have negligible impact on non-target insects and the environment, county health officials said.

Treatments will occur in Newtown and Northampton Township within Tyler State Park. Treatments will take place in Wrightstown in and around the Middletown Grange Fairgrounds bounded by Penns Park Road, Durham Road (413), Worthington Mill Road, and Mud Road.

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. 14, subsequently Tuesday evening, Aug. 15 will serve as the back-up spray date.

For additional information about adult mosquitoes and West Nile Virus, visit www.dep.pa.gov/westnile . The Bucks County Department of Health can be reached at 215-345-3318.