MEDIA ADVISORY

Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, September 8, 2003

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MOSQUITO SPRAYING SCHEDULED SLIGHTLY CHANGED

Frederick, Md. --- The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) informed the City of Frederick today that the following areas will be spraying for mosquitoes, from 10 p.m. - 12 a.m., tonight, September 10th. This change is a result of a request by the Great Frederick Fair Board of Directors.

· Highland Street
· Monroe Avenue
· 600-700 blocks of East Patrick Street

MDA will be spraying Permethrin, a repellency for adult mosquitoes. Additional spraying will take place on Thursday, September 11, and Friday, September 12, in the following areas: Whittier, Waterford Park, Taskers Chance and the Hillcrest area. The process, which will take place from 9 - 11 p.m., is a result MDA trappings which yielded large numbers of mosquitoes. MDA has stated that there is no evidence of the 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.

Small amounts of Permethrin are used in the fog-like spraying. Residents are not required to close their windows or turn their 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 water 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 Maryland Department of Agriculture, Mosquito Control Section, 301-927-8357.