Monday, August 1, 2005

Mosquito Air and Ground Spray Applications Scheduled for August 2

In an effort to reduce very high populations of salt marsh mosquitoes, the Atlantic County Office of Mosquito Control will administer an air spray application of the eastern portions of Galloway Township and Port Republic, weather permitting, on Tuesday evening, August 2, between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM. If weather conditions are unfavorable at that time, the application will be rescheduled for Wednesday, August 3, between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

The spray area will target the highest concentration of mosquitoes, adjacent to their breeding areas on the salt marsh. Large numbers of the salt marsh mosquitoes emerged along the coast following extended high tides two weeks ago. Salt marsh mosquitoes are particularly aggressive to humans and create a considerable nuisance. This type of mosquito has also tested positive for the West Nile virus.

The air spray application will consist of a very low volume of malathion applied at the rate of three ounces per acre. It will be sprayed by aircraft from Chanese Lane north along Route 9 and Old New York Road to Port Republic and east to the salt marsh. A map of the spray area is available on the county Web page at: www.aclink.org/PublicWorks/mosquito.

In addition to the aerial spraying, the county will be conducting ground spraying in eastern Pleasantville and on the north end of Brigantine to help reduce higher than acceptable populations of salt marsh mosquitoes. The ground applications will take place on Tuesday morning, August 2, between 5:00 AM and 7:30 AM using resmethrin.

Neither the federal Environmental Protection Agency nor the state Department of Environmental Protection requires relocating or taking special precautions during mosquito control spraying with either of these products. Some people, however, may prefer to avoid or minimize exposure by staying indoors, keeping windows shut, shutting off room air conditioners and window fans during spraying, keeping children's toys indoors as well as pets and their supplies.

For more information on spray activities call the Atlantic County Office of Mosquito Control at (609) 645-5948. Up-to-the-minute spray schedules are also available on the West Nile virus information line at 1-877-6-4FACTS, 24 hours a day.

Click here for air spray map and more information.

County News