For Immediate Release:

September 2, 2015  

County to combat West Nile Virus appearance in Keansburg

Mosquito Control will be ground spraying from 3:30 to 6 a.m. on Sept. 3

Weather permitting, the Mosquito Control staff will conduct a ground spray operation in the entire Borough from the western boundary at Waackaack Creek to the eastern boundary of Carr Place and the southern boundary at State Route 36.

As a precautionary measure, Keansburg residents should remain inside and protect pets during the time sprayers are in the area. Spraying will not be conducted in the event of wind speeds in excess of 10 mph or inclement weather.

The application will be made using truck-mounted ultra-low volume equipment dispensing a very fine mist of the pesticide Duet. Duet is a d-phenothrin/prallethrin and piperonyl butoxide based pesticide product that is used to control mosquitoes in outdoor residential and recreational areas.

More information about Duet can also be found on the Mosquito Control webpage at www.VisitMonmouth.com.

“The goal of the ground spray program is to reduce the public health risk from WNV in the area,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso, liaison to the Mosquito Control division.

People who become infected with WNV are most often bitten by an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected with WNV when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals.

Residents should practice the ‘4Ds’ to reduce their risk of exposure to WNV:

• DEET All Day, Every Day: Whenever you’re outside, use insect repellants that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• DRESS: Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing outside.
• DRAIN: Remove all areas of standing water in and around your home.
• DUSK & DAWN: Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active.

Removing all areas of standing water in and around homes and businesses will stop mosquitoes from breeding. Prior to removal, standing water can be treated with pesticides to kill mosquito larvae.

“Seven days plus standing water equals mosquitos,” said DiMaso. “Mosquitos breed where there is standing water. So, turnover any unused flower pots and outdoor toys. If you have old tires on your property, they need to be emptied of any standing water, too.”

WNV is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes. WNVcan cause febrile (fever) illness, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). WNV was first detected in North America in 1999.

Mosquito Control has information and useful materials about WNV on www.visitmonmouth.com.

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