Cumberland County’s Vector Control Office has scheduled an ultra-low volume mosquito spray for Thursday 23 August, from dusk until 11pm, after mosquito surveillance returned positive tests for West Nile virus (WNV) in local samples.
Where and why the spray is taking place
The planned spraying will cover parts of North Middleton Township and South Middleton Township. County officials say this action follows the detection of WNV in mosquito samples collected in those townships and elsewhere in the county this year.
To date in the current season, Vector Control has identified WNV-positive mosquito samples in four municipalities within Cumberland County: North Middleton Township, South Middleton Township, Mount Holly Springs Borough and New Cumberland Borough. The county will continue monitoring and treating breeding areas where required as part of its response.
What residents should expect
- Spraying will occur in the evening from dusk until 11pm on 23 August in the specified areas.
- Information about the spray route and the product label is available on the county website: www.cumberlandcountypa.gov/2830.
- Vector Control is using an Integrated Pest Management approach intended to control mosquito populations while reducing risks to people and the environment.
"Vector Control will continue monitoring mosquito activity and treating breeding areas as needed."
Practical steps for residents
The county has reiterated established precautions residents can take to reduce exposure to mosquitoes and limit breeding habitat around properties. These measures include:
- Using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing, particularly at dusk when female mosquitoes are most active.
- Ensuring window and door screens are intact to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
- Eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed — or treating undrainable sources with larvicides such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) products (often sold as mosquito dunks or bits).
Public health officials note mosquitoes acquire WNV by feeding on infected birds and then can transmit the virus to other birds, animals or humans by biting. The county’s approach combines surveillance, targeted adulticiding (spraying), and larval control to reduce transmission risk.
| Municipality | WNV-positive samples (this season) |
|---|---|
| North Middleton Township | Yes |
| South Middleton Township | Yes |
| Mount Holly Springs Borough | Yes |
| New Cumberland Borough | Yes |
Residents with concerns or questions about the spray schedule, treated areas or recommended precautions should consult the county’s Vector Control information page linked above for the most current details.
