Maricopa subdivision mosquito fogging set for July 19-21

Pinal County Environmental Health Services announced today that adult mosquito fogging will be conducted in Maricopa from July 19-21. Mosquitoes trapped during routine surveillance for West Nile virus tested positive, resulting in the need to fog the area to prevent transmission of the disease to humans.

Cobblestone Farms: The area encompasses Hiller Road to the north, John Wayne Parkway to the east, Mobile Road to the south and Sunset Drive along with Central Avenue to the west.

Rancho El Dorado Subdivision: The area encompasses Hillman Drive Alignment to the north, Dietz Drive/Davis Road to the east, Smith-Enke Road to the south and John Wayne Parkway to the west.

Tortosa Subdivision: The area encompasses Madrid Avenue and Barcelona Avenue to the north, Murphy Road to the east, Bowlin Road to the south and Hartman Road to the west.
 
All fogging takes place between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. because that is the time when the breed of mosquito that carries West Nile is most active.

The pesticide that will be used during fogging is called Anvil.  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. Piperonyl butoxide enhances the ability of Sumithrin to kill mosquitoes. Anvil is registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency and is effective against the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus.

There are several things that residents can do 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.  Turn off evaporative coolers.
· Stay inside your home.
· If possible, bring pets inside.
· Thirty minutes after the end of the scheduled fogging each night, you may resume normal activities.
· West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.  West Nile 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; however, the elderly may be more prone to serious illness.

The county has a mosquito hotline and a web page.  If you would like information on mosquito prevention and control, please call: 866-287-0209, ext. 6200, or visit the West Nile virus web page at www.pinalcountyaz.gov/envhealth.  If you notice any green or abandoned pools, you can call and report the information to the mosquito hotline.

For information or questions concerning the health effects of West Nile virus, please call the Pinal County Public Health Information Hotline: 866-763-7252.

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