Date: August 27, 2010
Contact: Douglas L. Guthrie Sr., Superintendent
(Tel) 732-542-3630
(Fax) 732-542-3267
Mosquito Commission Plans to SprayIdealBeach section
of MiddletownTownship
Urges Public AwarenessofWest Nile Virus
In response to a concentrated cluster of mosquito samples that have tested positive for the West Nile virus (WNV),the Monmouth County Mosquito Commission has planned a truck-mountedspray treatment for adult mosquitoes in the IdealBeachsection of MiddletownTownship. The operation is scheduled for Friday, August 27, 2010 from 8:00 pm- 10:00 pm.
Please visit our website to view a map of the spray area.
“Our mosquito surveillance shows that WNV amplification in the bird-mosquito cycle is beginning to accelerate which necessitates action on our part to interrupt that cycle” said Douglas Guthrie Sr., Superintendent of the county’s mosquito control program.
The samples were collected by Commission personnel as part of the mosquito-borne disease component of its surveillance program. “We routinely monitor dozens of sites throughout the county to track the presence and spread of West Nile virus,” stated Tony Acquaviva, Commission entomologist. This effort is part of a collaborative statewide Vector Surveillance Program involving the Commission, the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, the NJDEP Office of Mosquito Control Coordination and Rutgers’ Center for Vector Biology.
The Commission will target their spraying for adult mosquitoes in the designated zone using highly technical truck-mounted ULV (Ultra Low Volume) machines. The product being applied is resmethrin, a pyrethroid based pesticide, which goes by the brand name Scourge. “Resmethrin is registered for residential adult mosquito control by the US Environmental Protection Agency and NJ Department of Environmental Protection, and is recommended by the NJ Agricultural Experiment Station at RutgersUniversity,” noted Guthrie.
“When we treat for adult mosquitoes with resmethrin, ULV technology allows us to use dosage levels far below human health threshold levels as per USEPA and Rutgers guidelines. In fact, the USEPA states that resmethrin can be used for public health mosquito control without posing unreasonable health risks to the general populations when applied according to label directions,” noted Guthrie.
The USEPA does not require relocating or taking special precautions during mosquito control spraying with Scourge; however, the Commission realizes that some people may prefer to avoid or minimize exposure by practicing common sense precautions such as staying indoors, keeping windows shut and window air conditioners and window fans off during spraying.
Despite the minimal risks as a public health pesticide, resmethrin is potentially toxic to fish. Considering the ultra low application rate and rapid degradation of resmethrin in sunlight and water, fish populations should not be affected. In fact, the Commission has received no documented reports of any fish kills following any adulticiding applications using resmethrin. To minimize exposure, property owners can cover fishponds with a tarp or bring the fish indoors.
Following an increase in the detection of West Nile virus in mosquito samples collected in the county, Monmouth County Mosquito Extermination Commission is advising residents to be mindful of mosquito breeding on their properties and to take steps to eliminate the sources producing the pests.
“Many requests we respond to involve mosquito breeding right in the caller’s own backyard. They are not aware that they are creating their own problem,” said Vicki Thompson, Commission Assistant Superintendent. Thompson stated that homeowners should check their properties for any items that can hold water for a week or more. “Even a small container like a child’s pail can breed hundreds of mosquitoes that will come looking for a meal,” Thompson stated. Containers that cannot be discarded or overturned should have the water changed at least once a week. Rain gutters should also be checked to ensure that they are not clogged and holding water.
As the mosquito season enters into the peak period for WNV activity Superintendent Guthrie stressed the importance of personal protection against mosquito bites.“While Commission employees are dedicated to provide quality mosquito control, I recognize the fact that we can’t eliminate all mosquitoes. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that citizens follow the CDC’s recommendations for personal protection,” he cautioned.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals can reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and, as a result, lower their exposure to mosquito-borne diseases by following these procedures: apply insect repellent, wear long sleeved shirts and long pants whenever possible, and avoid outdoor activity at peak mosquito times (dusk and dawn). The CDC recommends the use of repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), picaridin (KBR 3023), or IR-3535. Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol) provide better protection than other plant-based repellents but fall short compared to products containing high concentrations of DEET. “Choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of time you will be outdoors. Repellents containing a higher percentage of active ingredient typically provide longer-lasting protection,” suggested Sean Healy, entomologist for the Commission.
The Commission will continue WNV surveillance throughout the county and announce additional operations as needed. For the latest information on mosquito control and mosquito-borne disease activity in MonmouthCounty, residents can log onto the Commission’s website at Up-to-date mosquito control information can also be heard on the Commission’s hotline at (732) 578-1600.
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