County fogging for mosquitos to combat West Nile

Pinal County Public Health Services District (PCPHSD) Environmental Health Division will conduct mosquito fogging in Maricopa Meadows tonight and through Sunday morning. Fogging will take place from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly.

The fogging is in response to elevated numbers of mosquitos found during routine testing by PCPHSD and the threat of West Nile virus they carry.

According to the county, there are several steps residents can take to reduce exposure during fogging:

• Close all windows and doors. Air conditioners can still be operated, but if they have vents to bring in outside air, they should be closed. Weather permitting, turn off evaporative coolers.
• Stay inside your home.
• If possible, bring pets inside.
• Wait 30 minutes after fogging to resume normal activities.

At least one Maricopa Meadows resident was concerned after being notified of the fogging by her homeowners’ association today.

“I am a bit perplexed by our city making decisions for the people,” Amanda Kingsbury told InMaricopa. “Where was our say on using chemicals to kill a bug most people can avoid? In Arizona we don’t force things on people. We don’t mandate masks or vaccines. Arizona is supposed to be a place of freedom and yet our city decides to spray? There are numerous products people can use for both themselves and pets to repel mosquitoes.”

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus can cause severe illness in people and horses, although not everyone who is infected will develop symptoms. People of all ages can be affected, though the elderly are more prone to serious illness.

County health officials recommend several ways to avoid mosquitos:

• Avoid outside activity between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient such as DEET.
• When using sunscreen, apply the sunscreen before you apply insect repellent.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and remain closed.
• Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes in them.
• Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around the home by removing standing water in potted plants, tires, birdbaths and other containers where water may collect
• Ensure swimming pools and decorative water features are properly maintained.
• Change water in flowerpots, birdbaths and pet watering bowls located outdoors at least twice per week.

The pesticide to be used during fogging is called Anvil 2+2. It is a pre-mixed, ready-to-use product that contains two active ingredients: Sumithrin (2%) and piperonyl butoxide (2%). Sumithrin is a man-made version of a natural pesticide found in chrysanthemum flowers while Piperonyl butoxide helps Sumithrin work more effectively against mosquitoes.