September 29, 2008

• City wide activity remains a 2 this week due to the regional presence of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
• The storm last week dumped an average of 4 inches of rain on the City of Portsmouth. With 4 inches of rain and temperatures favorable for the rapid growth of mosquitoes aerial mosquito spraying has been scheduled for this week.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Portsmouth will conduct a joint aerial treatment with mosquito larvicide this week at the Craney Island Dredged Material Management Area (CIDMMA) and wetlands in the City of Portsmouth in Portsmouth, VA. Crabbe Aviation L.L.C. will treat 500 acres at CIDMMA and 60 acres in the City of Portsmouth on Tuesday, September 30 (weather permitting). Most areas scheduled for treatment are located in north Churchland over Federal and City Property. A narrow strip of wetlands south of Cradock and Park Manor are also scheduled for treatment.

The treatment will consist of a granular mosquito larvicide product that specifically targets developing mosquito larvae. The larvicide poses no threat to humans or animals. The contractor will be using an Air Tractor, a fixed-wing aircraft similar to aircraft used for crop dusting.

If conditions are not favorable for spraying on September 30, the inclement weather date is Wednesday, October 1.

Details on the spray operations will be posted on the City's Mosquito Hotline 393-8666.