MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO SPRAY FOR MOSQUITOES WITHIN CITY LIMITS

Frederick, Md. --- The City of Frederick was informed today that the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) will be spraying Permethrin, a repellency for adult mosquitoes, on the east side of town. A MDA mosquito technician will spray the areas from Patrick Street through 7^th Street after 11 p.m., on Wednesday, September 25. The process, which is estimated to take approximately two hours to complete, is a result of last weeks MDA trappings that yielded a high amount of adult mosquitoes and mosquito larvae.

Small amounts of Permethrin are used in the fog-like spraying. Residents on the east side of town are encouraged to close their windows prior to 11 p.m. tomorrow night. The spray disseminates in the air within a 30-minute period.

Residents are urged to monitor any standing weather in their yards and gardens. Standing water serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Residents are also encouraged to take the following steps to help minimize the mosquito population:

· Clean rain gutters to allow water to flow freely.

· Cover rain barrels with netting.

· Remove old tires or drill holes in the tires used as playground equipment.

· Turn over wheelbarrows, wagons and carts when not in use.

· Turn garbage can lids upside down and make sure trash receptacles don’t contain water.

· Fix dripping faucets.

· Remove water and cover ornamental pools and water gardens that are not stocked with fish using a circulating filter system.

· Avoid unnecessary outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

· Wear light clothing, long pants, long-sleeved shirts and hat when outdoors.

· Use mosquito repellants according to instructions.

For additional information please contact the Frederick County health Department, at 301-600-1029, Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer for the City of Frederick, at 301-360-3842.

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