MEDIA ADVISORY

Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, June 24, 2003

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO SPRAY FOR MOSQUITOES WITHIN CITY LIMITS

Frederick, Md. --- The City of Frederick was recently informed that the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) will be spraying Permethrin, a repellency for adult mosquitoes, within the City limits. On Wednesday evening, June 25, a MDA mosquito technician will be spraying in the areas of Monarch Ridge and Christopher’s Crossing. The process, which is estimated to take approximately two hours to complete, is a result of MDA trappings which yielded large numbers of mosquitoes. MDA has stated that there is no evidence of West Nile Virus or a threat to public health and safety, however due to the large amounts of precipitation received over the past few months, mosquito populations are high this summer.

Small amounts of Permethrin are used in the fog-like spraying. Residents are not required to close their windows or turn air conditioners off. The spray disseminates in the air within a 30-minute period. Spraying will occur late in the evening when the largest numbers of mosquitoes are in flight.
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.