Mosquitoes got you itching for the change of seasons? That bites!
To help keep the pesky insects at bay – and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases – the Maryland Department of Agriculture is working with local health departments to expand mosquito control services.
On Sunday evening, crews will conduct ultra-low volume truck-based spraying to control adult mosquito populations in parts of Baltimore County and Prince George’s County.
The Baltimore County spraying will take place in Nottingham, specifically covering the radius from Harford Road to Oak White Road to Magledt Road and back to Harford Road.
In Prince George’s County, spraying will occur in Laurel, specifically covering the radius from Montgomery Street to Baltimore-Washington Boulevard to Nest Court to First Baptist Lane.
In both areas, spraying will take place after 9 p.m. In the case of inclement weather, the services will be rescheduled for that Monday. Any existing spray exemptions in the area will be temporarily suspended.
MDA Mosquito Control Program personnel will spray a permethrin-based solution. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved this solution to be used in public health mosquito control programs. While it does not pose “unreasonable risks to human health,” MDA recommends staying indoors during spraying out of an abundance of caution.
Not all mosquitoes carry disease, but MDA advises residents to take precautions to minimize their exposure to mosquito-borne diseases that they could contract from the insects’ bites.
Residents should wear long, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing; apply insect repellents; and avoid mosquito infested areas during peak activity between dusk and dawn.
They should also remove standing water where mosquitoes may breed; regularly clean bird baths and pet bowls; and install, inspect, and repair window and door screens in homes and stables.
Routine spray program schedules are available by county on the program’s website.
For questions or concerns about mosquito control spraying, contact MDA’s Mosquito Control Program at 410-841-5870.
