West Nile Virus Infected Mosquitoes Found in Lacey Woods Park
September 18th, 2006 Posted in NewsSept. 18, 2006
Dear Resident:
In May 2006, Arlington resumed its annual mosquito monitoring for West Nile Virus across the County.
WNV infected (Asian Tiger) mosquitoes found in Lacey Woods Park
Recent monitoring in your neighborhood detected West Nile virus-infected Asian Tiger mosquitoes, which are human-biting mosquitoes. Based on these findings, the County is taking steps to reduce the population of adult mosquitoes in your neighborhood, by spraying public property with an insecticide that kills adult mosquitoes as soon as weather permits. The County also is asking residents and businesses to eliminate sources of standing water on their property and is working to eliminate possible sources on public property that could serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Note: To date, no human cases of West Nile virus have been identified in Arlington County; however, there have been cases in Northern Virginia.
Health Bureau Will Apply an Insecticide to Reduce Mosquito Population
Permethrin is a safe treatment
The Arlington County Environmental Health Bureau will apply an insecticide containing permethrin that kills adult mosquitoes to the plants on public property in Lacey Woods Park. (Please see the enclosed map for details). The chemical (Permethrin) is a safe treatment with minimal risk to humans and pets when applied appropriately. Residents and their pets are encouraged to stay away from areas being sprayed until the insecticide has dried. (about ½ -1 hour)
This spraying may happen as early as Wednesday, September 20, depending on the weather. Spraying would begin at 10a.m. and would be completed the same day. Although this is a safe treatment with minimal risk, residents should stay away from this area until the insecticide has dried. Note: The park will be closed while the spraying is conducted.
It is very important that all residents eliminate standing water, such as depressions in yards that may collect water; soda cans; plastic cups; flower pots and saucers, wading pools; toys, etc., which promote mosquito breeding, on their own property.
Steps to Protect You and Your Family From Mosquitoes
o Avoid going outdoors when mosquito activity is heaviest at dawn or at dusk.
o If you need to go out, use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. (Always follow label instruction).
o Wear long, loose fitting, light colored clothing.
o Eliminate sites of standing water that promotes mosquito breeding around their property and clean out gutters.
o Repair/replace torn window/door screens.
Residents May Also Spray Their Own Property
Additionally, residents in this area may also consider using commercially available insecticide in their yards. Residents who choose to apply insecticides to kill adult mosquitoes should follow label instructions. You may wish to consult a contractor to help you with barrier spraying. For more information visit our “West Nile Virus Information Center” Web page at http://www.co.arlington.va.us/Portals/westnile/index.htm.
For more information regarding permethrin, visit the following Web site:
http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/permethrin.pdf#search=%22Permethrin%20Oregon%22
If you have any questions, please call (703) 228-7400.
Sincerely,
Richard A. Cole, Environmental Health Bureau
Arlington County, Virginia
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