Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Contact: Aftab Hussain, Environmental Health Bureau 703-228-5597 (voice) 703-228-4611(TTY)
Arlington County to Spray Mosquitoes on Public Property
Asian Tiger mosquitoes targeted in Lyon Park neighborhood
ARLINGTON, Va. – West Nile virus-infected Asian Tiger mosquitoes, which are human-biting mosquitoes, have been detected in the Lyon Park neighborhood. The County increased mosquito surveillance in Lyon Park following the recent report there of a human case of West Nile virus. Because of the type of mosquito involved, Arlington County Health officials are taking steps to reduce the population of West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes on public property.
Public property to be sprayed
The Environmental Health Bureau of Arlington County will conduct backpack spraying on public property in parts of the Lyon Park neighborhood as early as Thursday, September 13; the exact date and time of the spraying will be determined by the weather. The spray dries within an hour after application and poses little risk to humans. Spraying will take place within the following boundaries:
- Arlington Blvd, N. Fillmore St., 3rd St., Washington Blvd.
- Corner of Arlington Blvd and N. Irving St.
Weather could cause spraying delay
If it rains, or threatens to rain, staff will delay spraying until clear weather.
Take precautions to reduce mosquito exposure and mosquito breeding
- Use mosquito repellent when outdoors in areas where mosquitoes are active. Use products registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) such as products containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. When using a product containing DEET, no more than 50 percent DEET should be used for adults and less than 30 percent should be used for children. Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children younger than three. Always read the repellent’s label and follow instructions for use.
- Avoid going outdoors at dawn or at dusk when mosquito activity is heaviest.
- Wear long, loose fitting, light colored clothing.
- Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.
- Dispose of or empty containers that can collect standing water, such as soda cans, bottles, holes in the ground, flower pots and saucers, etc.
- Make sure roof gutters drain properly and rooftops are free of standing water.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty and covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.
- Repair or replace all screens that have tears and holes.
Note: To date, one human case of West Nile virus has been identified in Arlington County this year.
Background:
The Arlington County Environmental Health Bureau will apply an insecticide containing permethrin that belongs to the pyrethroid group of insecticides. According to the EPA, “Pyrethroids can be used for public health mosquito control programs without posing unreasonable risks to human health when applied according to the label. Pyrethroids are considered to pose slight risks of acute toxicity to humans, but at high doses, pyrethroids can affect the nervous system,” (source: EPA web site). Residents sensitive to pesticides or any of the ingredients should avoid direct exposure.
Arlington County uses pesticides in accordance with EPA guidance, (guidance can be found at the EPA mosquito pesticides web site), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (guidance can be found at the CDC web site). Persons with asthma or other respiratory conditions should stay inside during spraying since there is a possibility that spraying could worsen these conditions.
Three New Arlington Locations Test Positive for West Nile Virus
In other news, mosquitoes in Lyon Park, Donaldson Run Park and Haley Park have tested positive for West Nile virus, Arlington County public health officials reported Wednesday.
For more information about West Nile Virus and mosquito control visit the County website.
More information
For more information on the spraying or on West Nile virus, contact the Environmental Health Bureau at: 703-228-7400, or visit the West Nile virus section on the County's web site.
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
