The Bucks County West Nile Virus Prevention Program will conduct an ultra-low volume (ULV) mosquito control operation to reduce high populations of mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile virus Tuesday, July 13, in Bristol and Falls townships.
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 equipment dispenses Biomist 3+15 Adulticide at a rate of 0.75 ounces per acre. This product is designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations. The application material has a very low toxicity profile to mammals and will have negligible impact to non-target insects and the environment.
The areas to receive the treatment in Falls Township and Bristol Township will be the Magnolia Hill, Willow Drive, Elderberry and Birch Valley sections of Levittown. In addition, in Falls Township the area bounded by N. Oxford Valley Road, Hood Boulevard, South Olds Boulevard, Hanford Road, Village Lane, Vermilion Drive, and New Falls, Tyburn and Trenton roads 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 July 13, Wednesday evening, July 14, 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.