Mosquito Spraying in Radnor Set For Wednesday

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) West Nile Virus control program will conduct an "Ultra Low Volume mosquito adulticide spray" in residential and recreational areas of Radnor Township on Wednesday, Aug. 29.

According to the DEP, the spraying, which is scheduled to take place between 7:45 and 10:15 p.m. and will be done with truck-mounted spraying equipment, "is a result of high trap counts and the identification of positive mosquito pools in the area as well as the identification of human positives in the county."

Biomist 3+15 will be sprayed at a rate of .75 ounce per acre, according to a automated phone call from the DEP sent to residents on Tuesday. The pesticide "is designed to provide quick knockdown and effective control of adult mosquitoes," according to the state.

But it is "extremely toxic to aquatic organisms, including fish and aquatic invertebrates. Runoff from treated areas or deposition of spray droplets into a body of water may be hazardous to fish and aquatic invertebrates," according to a label in the pdf section of this article.

Wayne resident Jane Golas is wondering "if this a real health threat?"

"Delaware County had at the last census 559,494 residents, and likely more people now. Out of those hundreds of thousands of citizens, two caught West Nile. That is not an epidemic in my view and hardly enough of a health threat to justify indiscriminate spraying of deadly chemicals on my property and the parks," Golas commented to Radnor Patch.

"I believe I have the right to expect my government to protect my heath, and to do its best to protect the environment we all depend on, which in my view the DEP is disregarding if it sprays on Wednesday," Golas continued.

Contact Maureen Hennessey-Herman, Office of Intercommunity Health at (610) 891-5311 or (610) 891-5375 with comments or concerns.

According to the state, people can take a number of precautionary measures around their homes to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including: 

• Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers that hold water.

• Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.

• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.

• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains.

• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.

• Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths.

• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers.

If a resident has stagnant pools of water on their property, they can buy BTI products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacterium kills mosquito larva but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.

Additionally, these simple precautions can prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people who are most at risk: 

• Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.

• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.

• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.

• Use insect repellants according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellant will contain DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician for questions about the use of repellant on children, as repellant is not recommended for children under the age of two months.

For more information about West Nile virus and the state’s surveillance and control program, visit www.westnile.state.pa.us.