On August 18, 2014 at 2 pm, the Montgomery County Commissioner’s Court met in a special emergency session to discuss the issue of West Nile Virus in Montgomery County. From that session, the court approved a resolution after determining that a pest condition in Montgomery County presented a significant risk to human health and must be controlled through the application of pesticide. The Court approved aerial spraying for mosquitoes in the areas of the county identified as the most heavily populated with West Nile positive results.
Montgomery County Public Health Authority, Dr. Mark Escott, advised the court that we currently have had 9 active human cases of the virus with one death. Precinct 3 Commissioner, James Noack, advised that even with the County’s aggressive mosquito abatement program, the number of positive tests on mosquitoes continues to rise. That number has since increased to 10 confirmed cases.
The County will be spraying approximately 240,000 acres with the mosquito control chemical Dibrom. This aerial mosquito spraying is anticipated to begin after certain permits and environmental documents are put into place.
Precinct 3 Commissioner, James Noack advises that Precinct 3 is actively taking measures to protect areas that are affected by this disease. This includes the normal practice of monitoring mosquito populations for size and disease activity, eliminating breeding sites (standing water) and treating areas that have been shown to have West Nile. We will continue to increase mosquito testing and trapping sites as well as treatment of the infected areas.
Commissioner Noack asks that the public continue to think WET:
Wear insect repellent
Eliminate standing water
Treat standing water that you can’t drain
Additional information can be found by visiting precinct3.org/mosquito-abatement/
Montgomery County Commissioners, Montgomery County Public Health and Emergency Management Officials will be working together to keep the public informed of any updates.
Spraying is scheduled to begin the evening of Saturday August 23 and continue through Saturday August 30, 2014.
Weather permitting; the aerial spraying will take place over the course of several nights, 45 minutes before dark (around 8:30 pm) through midnight. The areas to be covered include Pct. 3, and portions of
Pct. 2 and Pct. 4. (See attached map) The chemical, Dibrom, will be dispersed by a twin engine plane piloted by Vector Disease Control, Inc.
According to the EPA, there is no special action required by residents within the treatment areas. However, any residents with concerns are advised to stay indoors with the windows closed during the application times. Additional information as to frequently asked questions and recommended prevention and control measures will also be posted.
Frequently asked questions, updates to the mosquito abatement process and recommended prevention/control measures can be located on the Montgomery County website at www.mctx.org as well as the Montgomery County Public Health site at www.mchd-tx.org.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mosquito Control Chemical Dibrom:
Is this chemical safe?
The Chemical being used is Dibrom, it is approved by the FDA to be sprayed over residential areas. There is no special action required by residents within the treatment areas. However, any residents with concerns are advised to stay indoors with the windows closed during the application times. The EPA evaluates and tests all products thoroughly before they can be used to be sure there is a “reasonable certainty of no harm” to humans, animals and the environment before they are
registered. The products used to control mosquitoes have passed rigorous tests required by the
EPA. These products have been sprayed over millions of acres and hundreds of communities
across the United States.
Are my pets safe?
When applied for mosquito control in accordance with the label, Dibrom is not harmful to animals however if you would like to reduce your pet’s exposure, keep them inside during spraying times.
Should I be concerned about swimming pools?
You can cover your pool before the spraying occurs; however, no special precautions or waiting
periods are required for swimming pools.
Should I be concerned about the fish in my outdoor fishpond?
The concentration expected to enter an outdoor fishpond or any other water body after an aerial application is much lower than what is considered toxic to fish.
Does Dibrom pose a risk to wildlife and the environment?
Dibrom used in mosquito control programs does not pose unreasonable risks to
wildlife or the environment. The products degrade rapidly in the environment and display low
toxicity to birds and mammals. Acute and chronic toxicity to fish is not expected based on the
low application rate used for mosquito control. Studies have also shown it does not pose a significant risk to honey bees and other beneficial insects.
From the Pilot: Malcom Williams -Vector Disease Control, Inc. Chief Pilot: “Just for a reference- we are using only ¾ of an ounce of pesticide per acre- which is the size of a sugar packet.”
Further Information can be found at
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/ipm.htm
http://www.fightthebite.net/download/labels/Anvil-Dibrom-FAQ.pdf
Prevention & Control of West Nile Virus
The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus disease is to prevent mosquito bites. Be aware of the West Nile virus activity in your area and take action to protect yourself and your family.
Avoid Mosquito Bites
Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. To optimize safety and effectiveness, repellents should be used according to the label instructions.
More information about insect repellents can be found at cdc.gov
When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. Don’t apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing.
Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside. Use your air conditioning, if you have it.
Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths on a regular basis.
