Mosquito spraying to take place in Scottdale, East Huntingdon

Parts of Scottdale and East Huntingdon will be sprayed for mosquitoes late Monday to reduce the risk of West Nile, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

A truck-mounted sprayer will be used from 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. in the area of Mt. Pleasant Road in Scottdale, and the area of Bessemer Street, Mildred Street, Lou Street, Fayette Street, Fayette Avenue and Webster Street in East Huntingdon.

Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which can cause humans to contract West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain, DEP said.

Here are some precautionary measures you can take to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas:

• Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar containers that hold water.
• 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.
• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year as the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency 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.

These other precautions can prevent mosquito bites:

• Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.
• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.
• Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellent will contain DEET, picardin, or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician for questions about the use of repellent on children, as repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months.

To find more information on the West Nile virus and the state’s surveillance and control program, visit www.dep.pa.gov/westnile.