Residential and recreational areas in and around several Franklin County townships and communities will be sprayed for adult mosquitoes beginning around sunset on Aug. 22.
Areas include Mont Alto Borough as well as Anthony Highway and Quincy Village in Quincy Township. High populations of adult mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile Virus – as well as nuisance mosquitoes – have been detected in these areas. These roads are listed for residents’ reference; other roads and areas in close proximity may also be sprayed.
Weather conditions and other unexpected events could delay or cancel the spray operation. If this operation is canceled, it will be rescheduled for Aug. 23.
The prevention program
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Mosquito-Borne Disease Program will be conducting this truck-mounted ultra-low volume (ULV) mosquito control operation. Franklin County’s Mosquito and Tick Borne Disease Control Specialist will be on site for the application. Franklin County’s business license is BU 13939, and the product used will be PermaSease 4-4 applied at a rate of 1.25 oz/ac. This product is designed to provide quick knockdown and effective control of adult mosquitoes.The spray dissipates after 15 minutes and is conducted after sunset to avoid contact with non-target species such as bees.
To date, Franklin County has had 25 West Nile Virus-positive mosquito pools in 2022. These positive samples were collected in the following townships and boroughs: Chambersburg Borough (eight), Greene Township (five), Guilford Township (four), Hamilton Township (three), Mont Alto Borough (two), Quincy Township (two) and Washington Township (one).
Franklin County residents should protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing or implementing some form of repellent, including wearing long sleeves and pants when outside. Additionally, residents and homeowners should be vigilant of standing water, including artificial containers holding water such as buckets, clogged gutters, tarps or old tires. Something as small as a soda bottle cap filled with water can breed mosquitoes.
For more information, contact Franklin County Mosquito and Tick Borne Disease Control Specialist Jason Goetz at 717-261-3855 or jgoetz@franklincountypa.gov.
