Mosquito trapping season has officially come to an end. We ended the season with 10 sites testing positive for West Nile Virus in mosquitoes, in the following areas: Darlington, Export, Herminie, Greensburg, Ligonier, Penn, Midway, and New Kensington.
To protect public health, we eliminated mosquito habitat and controlled mosquitoes where possible to reduce the risk of people contracting the virus. Notifications were made to those living nearby the positive mosquito sites as well as to the municipal officials.
You can reduce your risk of contracting West Nile Virus by eliminating any breeding habitat around your home or neighborhood. Breeding habitats can consist of anything that could hold standing water (bird baths, gutters, tires, containers, kid pools and toys, etc.). Wearing long sleeves and pants while outdoors and using bug repellent can also help reduce your risk by preventing mosquito bites.
Mosquito dunks, bits and sprays can also be utilized to control any mosquitoes that could be using standing water for breeding or vegetation as a resting area. They can be purchased at your local home and garden stores.
Contact the district if you have any questions or concerns regarding West Nile Virus or mosquitoes.
