PHILADELPHIA\u2014The Philadelphia Department of Public Health\u2019s Vector Control staff will apply treatments to control adult mosquitoes on Friday evening, July 31, 2026, at or around dusk, in the Logan area of the city. Weather permitting, spraying will take place in Wister Woods Park and Wakefield Park and in the surrounding neighborhood. (See attached map below.) If there is any inclement weather, the treatment will be postponed and rescheduled for the next day.<\/p>\n
Samples taken by Vector Control staff in the targeted area have shown adult mosquito populations that can potentially carry the West Nile virus. The treatments will be administered via a truck-mounted machine spraying fine aerosol droplets. The mist stays aloft and kills mosquitoes on contact. The truck-mounted operation will spray Duet Dual Action Adulticide, a synthetic pyrethroid. This product has no residual effects and evaporates quickly into the atmosphere.<\/p>\n
Because certain mosquito species carry West Nile virus, individuals are urged to take personal protection precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.<\/p>\n
Individuals can take measures around the home to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:<\/p>\n
Removing things that can catch and hold water, like trash cans, plastic containers, or pots.
\nDrilling holes in the bottom of outdoor trash cans and recycling containers.
\nTurning over plastic baby pools at the end of the day.
\nRemoving old tires.
\nHaving clogged roof gutters cleaned; roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
\nChanging the water in birdbaths frequently.
\nCleaning and chlorinating swimming pools; a swimming pool left untended by a family on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in a neighborhood-wide problem.<\/p>\n
To prevent mosquito bites:<\/p>\n
Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
\nWear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active, or in areas known to have large numbers of mosquitoes.
\nWhen possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk, which are peak mosquito periods, from April through October.
\nUse insect repellents according to the manufacturer\u2019s instructions. An effective repellent will contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
\nConsult with a pediatrician or family physician about the use of repellent on children. (Repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months.)<\/p>\n