The Asian Tiger Mosquito can carry the West Nile Virus and transmit the disease to human through a bite (Photo courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control).
West Nile Virus found in village mosquitoes
- Published: August 14, 2012
Local mosquitoes tested positive last week for West Nile Virus, a potentially serious illness, prompting the Greene County Combined Health District to begin spraying insecticide in a neighborhood in southern Yellow Springs.
The neighborhood, south from Brookside Drive and west from Spillan Road, will be sprayed with insecticides this week after laboratory tests revealed the presence of West Nile Virus in the Asian Tiger Mosquito. The testing occurred after a resident in the area complained about high mosquito populations. It was the first case of a mosquito carrying the disease in Greene County since testing began in June (18 other counties have tested positive).
To opt out of spraying in front of your residence, call the health district at (937) 374-5607 by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 14.
Download the letter residents received from the health district.
Villagers are also advised to protect themselves, especially if they are out in the early morning or early evening hours, by using mosquito repellent containing DEET and wearing long sleeves and light colored clothing. And they should check for areas of standing water on their properties, including rain gutters and bird baths, since mosquitoes breed in water.
The insecticides being used — Anvil 2+2 Sumithrin and Piper O’Neill Butoxocide — are designed to kill adult mosquitoes by releasing a fog that hangs in the area for 20 to 25 minutes, and are safe for humans and animals, according to the health department.
Read more in the Aug. 16 issue of the News.
2 Responses to “West Nile Virus found in village mosquitoes”
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Additionally, for local beekeepers, Anvil 2+2 is highly toxic to bees.
I’m hoping their will be more comprehensive information shared regarding health effects of the pesticides being used. For general information
Some Common Mosquito Control Pesticides
Common Name
(Factsheet) Product Name Class/Use B.s., Bacillus sphaericus Vectolex Bacterial larvicide (bacterial spores which when ingested by the larvae causes rupturing of the larval gut) B.t.i., Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis Bactimos, Teknar, Vectobac, Aquabac Bacterial larvicide Ethoxylate surfactant Agnique MMF Surfactant (reduces the surface tension of the water, the film makes it difficult for the larvae and pupae to attach, and blocks their breathing tubes) Methoprene Altosid Larvicide, insect growth regulator Petroleum derivative Mosquito Larvicide GB 1111 Larvicide oil, surfactant Permethrin/piperonyl butoxide (PBO) Pounce , Torpedo, Dragnet, Aqua-Reslin Adulticide, chlorinated pyrethroid/synergist (1,2) Sumithrin/piperonyl butoxide Anvil, d-Phenothrin Adulticide, synthetic pyrethroid/synergist (1,2) Resmethrin/piperonyl butoxide Scourge, SBP-1382 Adulticide, synthetic pyrethroid/synergist (1,2) Temephos Abate, Abathion, Acibate, Biothion, Bithion, Difennthos, Ecopro, Nimitox, Swebate Adulticide, organophosphate (3) Malathion Fyfanon, Atrapa Adulticide, organophosphate (3)
Notes:
1. Synthetic pyrethroids are neuropoisons, have irritatant and/or sensitizing properties, and are linked to endocrine disruption. They are extremely toxic to aquatic organisms, moderately toxic to birds,
2 Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) is one of the most commonly used synergist added to pesticide products to increase the potency. PBO is highly toxic, weakens the immune system, adversely affects reproductive function, causes liver and kidney damage and is a possible human carcinogen. PBO is relatively short-lived in the environment.
3 Organophosphate pesticides are nerve poisons, affect neurodevelopment, weaken the immune system, impair respiratory function, and are associated with increased risk of leukemia.