Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in several Allegheny County neighborhoods

The Allegheny County Health Department is treating several Allegheny County neighborhoods after mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus.

Crews are scheduled to spray the pesticide Zenivex E20 on Aug. 12 from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. to reduce local mosquito populations and lower transmission risks.

The targeted treatment area encompasses the neighborhoods of Lawrenceville, Garfield, Bloomfield, Friendship, Schenley Park, Squirrel Hill, Point Breeze, Regent Square, Edgewood and Wilkinsburg. Crews will use a truck-mounted Ultra Low Volume sprayer to apply the pesticide at a rate of 0.6 ounces per acre in a fine mist to lower mosquito populations.

Zenivex E20 is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and works on contact. Health officials noted that the pesticide degrades rapidly in sunlight, has low residual toxicity and poses minimal risk to humans, pets, wildlife and pollinators when applied properly. In the event of rain, spraying will take place during the same hours on Aug. 13.

Nicholas Baldauf, a vector control specialist for the Allegheny County Health Department, advised residents on protective measures against mosquito bites during peak activity times.

“Generally, the species of mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus are active from dusk to dawn,” Baldauf said. “To deter mosquito bites, we encourage people to use insect repellent on exposed skin or to wear long sleeves and pants. Both methods are effective at reducing or eliminating the possibility of getting a mosquito bite.”

Baldauf also highlighted the role residents play in eliminating potential mosquito breeding grounds, noting that mosquitoes can breed in small amounts of standing water.

“Allegheny County residents play an important role when it comes to reducing the area’s mosquito population,” Baldauf said. “Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a half inch of stagnant water, so residents should pay close attention to potential breeding sites like stagnant water in tires, unused swimming pools, buckets, corrugated piping and clogged gutters.”

Residents can report potential mosquito breeding grounds on private or public property to the Allegheny County Health Department’s Housing and Community Environment Program by calling 412-350-4046 or submitting an online form.

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