Mosquito spraying planned in Hamilton Township
Spraying for mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile Virus will take place on Aug. 7 and 8 in parts of Hamilton Township.
The treatments will be administered via truck-mounted equipment, spraying residential and recreational mosquito habitat.
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. 7 or 8, the following evening will serve as the back-up spray date.
Individuals 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.
· Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
· Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year as the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains.
For more information about West Nile virus and the state's surveillance and control program, please visit www.westnile.state.pa.us