The Bucks County Department of Health West Nile Virus Mosquito Control Program will conduct an ultra-low volume (ULV) mosquito control operation Tuesday, Sept. 28, to reduce high populations of nuisance mosquitoes and mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile virus in Bristol and Middletown 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 1.5 ounces per acre. This 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 to non-target insects and the environment.
In Bristol Township, the Neshaminy State Marina area bounded by River Road and Minot Avenue will be treated, along with an area in Levittown bounded by the Mill Creek Parkway, Haines Road, Bristol Pike and Edgely Road. In Middletown Township, the area bounded by Terrace, Bristol Oxford Valley, Trenton and Towns roads will be treated. In addition, the area bounded by Woodbourne Road, Quincy Drive, Bristol Oxford Valley Road and Cobalt Ridge Drive North 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 Sept. 28, subsequently Wednesday evening, Sept. 29 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.