West Nile Mosquito Spraying Set for Tuesday

The Lehigh County West Nile Resource Center will conduct mosquito spraying in parts of Upper Macungie, Lower Macungie and North Whitehall townships starting during the late evening hours on Tuesday, Sept. 27.

The spraying comes in response to documented cases of mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus.

The product used will be Duet, a dual action designed to provide quick knockdown and effective control of adult mosquitoes, according county information. County officials say Duet poses a very low toxicity threat to mammals and is safe for the environment.

Weather conditions and other unexpected events could delay or cancel this spray operation.

Mosquito samples in 58 counties have been identified with the West Nile virus so far this year, and four human cases have been confirmed.

Residents should help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas including:

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

• 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.

• Clean clogged roof gutters every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees tend 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.