Pennsylvania Officials Ramping Up War On Post-Flooding Mosquitos
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - Now that Hurricane Irene (related story) and Tropical Storm Lee (related story) are gone, leaving all that flood water behind, get ready for even more of those annoying mosquitos.
Government workers have been out in force spraying for mosquitos across eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and with all the rainwater dumped by recent storms the job won't be ending anytime soon, according to Kevin Sunday, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
"There hasn't been an immediate rise in the mosquito population in the last week," Sunday says, "but compared to this time last year we're seeing about 25 percent more mosquitos in the state, and we're adjusting the spraying as needed."
Related Story: Fairmount Park Spraying
Officials say they will continue to monitor where the outbreaks are the worst.
He adds that this time of year is peak season for the risk of West Nile virus, so residents are urged to check gutters for clogs and dump out any standing water.
And if that pond is in your yard or basement, you may want to consider pesticides.
Reported by Lynne Adkins, KYW Newsradio 1060
