The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is taking steps to control mosquito populations in the city and giving recommendations to residents on how to protect against them too.
On Friday, July 31, 2026, the Department’s Vector Control staff will spray a treatment in Wister Woods Park and Wakefield Park in the Logan area of Philadelphia, as well as in the surrounding neighborhood, to target mosquitoes.
Mosquito samples taken by the Vector Control staff in that region showed that its population of adult mosquitoes may carry the West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne infection, according to the Department of Public Health.
Crews will use a truck-mounted machine to spray Duet Dual Action Adulticide, a synthetic pyrethroid. It will have no residual effects on the area and will quickly evaporate, officials said.
The department recommends residents take precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites, including:
Using insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil.
Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outside.
Limiting time outdoors during dawn and dusk.
Measures the Department encourages residents to take to clear mosquito-breeding areas include:
Removing items that can catch and hold water (trash cans, plastic containers, pots).
Drilling holes in the bottom of outdoor trash cans, recycling containers.
Turning over plastic baby pools at the end of the day.
Removing old tires.
Cleaning clogged roof gutters.
Frequently changing water in birdbaths
Cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools.