Mosquitoes that are capable of spreading the Zika virus have been found in several counties surrounding Butler.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Aedes albopictus or “Asian Tiger” mosquito has been detected in Beaver, Allegheny and Fayette counties.
The Center for Disease Control says the Asian Tiger mosquito is able to spread Zika but is less likely to do so compared to the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the primary carrier of Zika in South America. That type has not been detected in Pennsylvania since 2002.
At this point, populations of the Asian Tiger mosquito have not reached “pest levels” in our area, according to the DEP.
DEP officials are also reminding residents that at this point, there have not been any cases of Zika transmitted locally in Pennsylvania, nor have mosquitoes tested positive for the virus. However, it’s probably best to stay on your guard and put personal measures in place like applying hand sanitizer after heading out into public to help prevent the spread of viruses (of any kind) and to keep your family safe and healthy.
Preventing the spread of the Zika virus is an essential step that you must take when it comes to keeping everyone around you safe. But you should also take into consideration that the carriers of this disease, mosquitos, can make their way into your own home if you are not careful. They can be attracted to dirty surfaces, leftover food, and even particles of dust, which is why you need to contact a professional pest control treatment company as soon as you notice the first sign of a potential infestation problem. But this can be avoided altogether if you make sure to follow the necessary tips.
There are some simple activities residents can do to reduce mosquito activity:
- Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar containers that hold water.
- Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.
- Turn over wheelbarrows and plastic wading pools when not in use and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers.
- Wear insect repellant during times of mosquito activity. Aedes mosquitoes are active during daylight hours
- Keep doors and windows tightly closed, or ensure that screens do not have holes or tears that can allow mosquitoes to get inside the house
“These mosquitoes are weak fliers, so if you see them, they are likely breeding nearby,” said Matt Helwig, program specialist in DEP’s Vector Management program. “Simple precautions to eliminate potential habitat and avoid contact can lead to a safe and itch-free summer.”
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