VECTOR CONTROL
Vector Control is responsible for the surveillance and control programs specific vectors to protect residents for health risks and assist them with intolerable nuisance pest problems.
Middlesex Township will be notified directly when mosquitoes are tested West Nile Positive. Results are posted daily by 2 pm on the DEP West Nile Webpage. By clicking on this link: http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/surv.htm you can see the latest surveillance data and maps.
Also here the website link to Cumberland County Vector Control page; http://www.ccpa.net/129/Vector-Control-Weights-Measures
Message from Cumberland County Vector Control
As of April 1st, Cumberland County Vector Control has begun the West Nile surveillance season. They are covering the county by placing data collection traps in higher traffic areas such as neighborhoods, parks, and communal locations. The samples are then processed, and only the mosquitoes are sent up to Harrisburg where they are tested for West Nile. Standing water is examined and sometimes treated if it is presenting a problem. So far we are seeing a slow season start with the snow in mid-April, but with the warmer weather mosquito activity will pick up.
A public dashboard can be located at (https://www.ccpa.net/3711/Mosquito-Sampling-Collections) where you can view what general area we are setting the traps live. The above link is an example of what the dashboard looks like at any given time. Shown are data collection trap locations, larva sampling locations, and treatment locations throughout the week.
REMINDER FROM CUMBERLAND COUNTY WNV PROGRAM: Warm and wet weather breeds mosquitoes! Be sure to check around your house weekly and dump containers holding water to ensure a bite-free summer. Please take time to visit our website to learn more about mosquitoes, our WNV program, and how to stay informed on adult spray events by signing up for “Notify Me” emails. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
www.ccpa.net/westnile
Vector Controls/Weights & Measures
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Office: 717-240-7808
A Note from the Cumberland County Mosquito-borne Disease Control Program:
Zika is here to stay in the Americas, but it has not yet taken hold in Pennsylvania. About 160 Zika imported travel cases were identified in PA last year. After returning home from vacation in Zika infested areas, help prevent introduction of the virus into local mosquitoes by wearing bug spray and avoiding bites. Working together to keep mosquito populations low will be essential in our efforts to thwart this disease. The Asian Tiger Mosquito likes to lay eggs in old tires, tarps, or even a bottle cap full of water. If you can’t dump standing water, treat it with a BTI bacteria based product, such as Mosquito Dunks, found at local hardware stores. Please visit the county website to learn more about mosquitoes, our program, and how to sign up for “Notify Me” emails.
www.ccpa.net/zika. 717-240-7808
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Individuals can take a number of precautionary measures around their homes to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:
o Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers that hold water.
o Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.
o Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
o Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year as the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains.
o Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
o Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths.
o Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
o Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers.
o 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 larvae, but is labeled to use near people, pets, aquatic life and plants.