Throughout April and continuing through May, the Allegheny County Health Department is launching its annual treatment of more than 50 wetlands across 20 municipalities to target mosquito larvae.
In addition to wetland treatments, ACHD will also tackle urban mosquito habitats with a citywide catch basin treatment program. Starting May 19, ACHD crews will treat over 13,500 storm drains and catch basins in Pittsburgh and five nearby boroughs—Bellevue, Millvale, McKees Rocks, Mount Oliver, and Wilkinsburg. These shallow, stagnant basins are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
“These early interventions reduce both nuisance bites and serious health threats.”
— Tim Murphy, with ACHD’s Housing and Community Environment Program
Treating them early dramatically reduces the need for adult mosquito spraying later in the season, according to an ACHD release.
The county’s proactive strategy to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus, has been in place since the 1970s. This year, the program will again use Altosid XR, a biological larvicide recommended by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The product safely disrupts the life cycle of mosquitoes and midges without harming humans, pets, fish, or other aquatic life, according to the release.
“It’s much easier and more environmentally responsible to control mosquitoes while they’re still larvae,” said Tim Murphy, program manager for ACHD’s Housing and Community Environment Program. “These early interventions reduce both nuisance bites and serious health threats.”
Public participation is key: Residents who notice potential mosquito breeding grounds—such as standing water in yards, tire piles, neglected pools, clogged rain gutters, or blocked catch basins—are encouraged to file a complaint online or call (412)350-4046.
Be First to Comment