Falls Township has continued to participate in the Bucks County Department of Health’s Mosquito Disease Control program. The program aims to educate the public about West Nile Virus (WNV) and how to protect themselves, monitor mosquito populations for WNV, eliminate mosquito breeding habitats, and control mosquito populations. In previous years, the Bucks County Department of Health conducts surveillance on municipal properties and, where necessary, treat areas to reduce mosquito activity in municipalities that grant permission. Last year, the Health Department received 100% participation from municipalities across Bucks County. Below you will find an overview of the program along with recommendations on how the Health Department can effectively address the threat of WNV, other mosquito-borne diseases, and nuisance mosquitoes in your area.
Lyme disease is another significant concern in Bucks County, with approximately 300–400 cases reported annually. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites that, if left untreated, can affect the nervous system, heart, muscles, and joints. While the Health Department does not provide tick treatment services, we are committed to educating residents and offering guidance to municipalities on how to protect citizens who use municipal properties. Attached, you will find an informational sheet with general facts about Lyme disease and recommendations on how we can collaborate to reduce the threat of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses in Bucks County.
Any type of containers, improperly stored boats, tires, etc., can breed large numbers of mosquitoes which can not only spread the WNV disease but also be a source of nuisance mosquito bites.
To help control the mosquito populations, make sure that ditches/streams in your municipality flow freely by being graded properly and are not blocked by debris. This includes ensuring that dry bottom basins (i.e. basins that are supposed to drain within 72 hours of rainfall) are free of debris and functioning as designed. It is also very important not to make tire ruts (i.e. mowing grass in wet soil conditions), as tire ruts provide prime sites for mosquito breeding. We may also reach out to coordinate efforts of identifying areas that require habitat removal. Pass this information on to your grounds and road crews please.
Places where mosquitoes breed!
Pennsylvania Department of Health West Nile Site
CDC West Nile Web Site
CDC Tick Disease Prevention Web Site
Dare to 2B Aware Tick Prevention Program
