Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, October 10, 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 and Arlington Ridge neighborhoods
ARLINGTON, Va. – West Nile virus-infected Asian Tiger mosquitoes, which are human-biting, have been detected in the Lyon Park and Arlington Ridge neighborhoods. Because these mosquitoes are aggressive and active throughout the day, Arlington County Health officials are taking steps to reduce their numbers 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 and Arlington Ridge neighborhoods as early as Thursday, October 11. The path between Oakridge Elementary School and Gunston Middle School will be closed at least 30 minutes before the spraying, and up to two hours after the spraying. Haley Park in the Arlington Ridge neighborhood and the bike path in the Lyon Park neighborhood also will be closed for at least 30 minutes before the spraying, and up to two hours after the spraying.
Exact date and time of the spraying is determined by weather
If it rains, or threatens to rain, staff will delay spraying until clear weather.
(NOTE: Due to current wind conditions, the spraying is now planned for the early part of the week of October 15, 2007.) For the most current information regarding the date and time of spraying you may call (703) 228-7968 to listen to a recorded message. The message will be updated daily at 8:30 am. The spray dries within an hour after application and poses little risk to humans.
Spraying will take place within the following boundaries:
Lyon Park Neighborhood:
- Arlington Blvd., N. Fillmore St., 3rd St., Washington Blvd.
- Corner of Arlington Blvd. and N. Irving St.
Arlington Ridge Neighborhood:
- West side of S. Arlington Ridge Road from 24th St. S. to the intersection of S. Lang St.
- Vegetation along path between Oakridge Elementary and Gunston Middle School
- Vegetation between Oakridge Elementary and Gunston Middle School along fence lines.
- Haley Park
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 website), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (guidance can be found at the CDC website). Persons with asthma or other respiratory conditions should stay inside during spraying since there is a possibility that spraying could worsen these conditions.
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 website.
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.