West Nile Virus Detection
From
Old Lycoming
When
Mon, Aug 17, 2026 from 3pm to 3pm
Details
Lycoming County Conservation District sent the following notice to the Township.
Old Lycoming Township,
I am contacting you regarding the current status of the West Nile Virus in your community. A little background – the Mosquito Borne Disease Control Program (previously the West Nile Virus Control Program), is funded by the DEP and is now administered in Lycoming County by the Conservation District. We visit approximately 15 sites a week to collect samples in areas where mosquitoes are most likely to come into contact with and infect humans.
The virus has been detected at a site in your municipality. We have responded by ramping up surveillance in the surrounding area, investigating the source of mosquito populations nearby, and treating problem areas with the appropriate pesticides (with permission from property owners). Guidance for the response measures has been provided by DEP personnel. Surveillance in the area will continue through the rest of the season and we will respond with additional control measures if West Nile Virus is detected. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us by phone or email.
Some helpful information about the risks of West Nile Virus and how citizens can reduce the risk of exposure can be found here: PA DEP WNV WEBSITE: dep.pa.gov/westnile
Where do mosquitoes breed?
There are about 60 different species of mosquitoes in Pennsylvania. While most do not transmit West Nile virus, several mosquito species have been found to transmit the virus.
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water around the home. Weeds, tall grass, shrubbery and discarded tires also provide an outdoor home for adult mosquitoes. By eliminating places for mosquitoes to breed, we can go a long way to prevent West Nile virus.
How can you reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and neighborhood?
Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Even a small bucket that has stagnant water in it for seven days can become home to up to 1,000 mosquitoes. Here are some easy tips to eliminate standing water:
a. Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water holding containers that have accumulated on your property. Do not overlook containers that have become overgrown by aquatic vegetation.
b. Pay special attention to discarded tires that may have accumulated on your property.
c. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left out of doors. Drainage holes that are located on the container sides collect enough water for mosquitoes to breed in.
d. Clean clogged roof gutters on an annual basis, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug up the drains. Roof gutters are easily overlooked but can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
e. Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. A wading pool becomes a mosquito producer if it is not used on a regular basis.
f. Turn over wheelbarrows and do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths. Both provide breeding habitat for domestic mosquitoes.
g. Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens are fashionable but become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. A swimming pool that is left untended by a family that goes on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Be aware that mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.
How can I protect myself?
It is not necessary to limit any outdoor activities, unless local officials advise you otherwise.
However, you can and should try to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. In addition to reducing stagnant water in your yard, make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.
If West Nile virus is found in your area:
· Take normal steps to prevent insect bites.
· Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active.
· Consider the use of mosquito repellent, according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors. Wash all treated skin and clothing when returning indoors.
· Check the CDC's website for latest information on the use of DEET in Insect Repellent Use and Safety.
Remember, electromagnetic and ultrasound devices and Vitamin B are not effective in preventing mosquito bites.
This event was posted by Old Lycoming. Old Lycoming is solely responsible for this event and unless specifically indicated, no other community or individual utilizing Savvy Citizen is sponsoring, responsible for, or endorsing this event.
