Franklin County Plans Mosquito Spraying in Select Townships Due to Elevated Virus Levels

Franklin County, Pennsylvania, has announced plans to conduct truck-mounted ultra-low volume (ULV) mosquito spraying in designated areas of Greene, Guilford, and Southampton townships. The operation is scheduled to commence around sunset on August 25, with a potential rain date of August 26, depending on weather conditions. This initiative aims to address detected high levels of West Nile virus in Southampton Township and nuisance mosquito populations in Greene and Guilford townships.

The targeted spraying will encompass residential and recreational zones within these townships. Specific roads and communities mentioned for treatment include those in Greene Township such as the Menno Haven community, Hafer Road, Apple Blossom Court, Cresthaven Drive, North Blackberry Lane, Smoketown Road, and the Luther Ridge community. In Guilford Township, areas slated for spraying involve Landfill Road, White Rock Road, Fairway Drive East, Anthony Highway near Pond Bank and Penn National, Olde Pine Drive, and Little Mountain Terrace. For Southampton Township, the spray will be applied to Lindsay Lot Road, Cortland Circle, Stoney Point Avenue, Mainsville Road, Pineville Road, Olde Scotland Road near Pineville Road, Possum Hollow Road, Maxwell Drive, Rowe Road near U.S. 11, and Volvo Way. While roads are provided for reference, other areas in close proximity may also be included in the spray operations.

The mosquito control operation will be carried out by Franklin County’s Mosquito-Borne Disease Program, utilizing a product called PermaSease 4-4, applied at a rate of 1.00 ounce per acre. This formulation is designed for rapid adult mosquito knockdown and effective control. To minimize impact on non-target species, particularly bees, the spraying is conducted after sunset. The spray dissipates within approximately 15 minutes of application.

Residents are advised that Franklin County staff will make an effort to temporarily turn off the sprayer when encountering residents outdoors during the operation. However, to ensure the effectiveness of the mosquito reduction efforts and to mitigate the risk of West Nile virus transmission, residents are strongly encouraged to remain indoors while the spraying is actively occurring in their neighborhoods. Reduced effectiveness of the operation can occur if the sprayer is frequently turned off.

Residents are also reminded of the importance of personal protection against mosquito bites. This includes wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors and utilizing insect repellent. Furthermore, vigilance in eliminating standing water sources is crucial, as mosquitoes can breed in even small accumulations of water found in artificial containers like buckets, clogged gutters, tarps, and old tires.

For further information or inquiries regarding the mosquito spraying program, residents can contact Franklin County’s Mosquito and Tick-Borne Disease Control Specialist Jason Goetz at 717-261-3855 or via email at jgoetz@franklincountypa.gov. Additional details about Franklin County’s mosquito and tick-borne disease initiatives are available on the county’s official website at www.franklincountypa.gov/mosquito-tick-borne-disease-program.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Franklin County, Pennsylvania.

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