Mosquito Spray Scheduled for Gettysburg, Conewago Township on July 30

Mosquito Spraying Scheduled for Gettysburg and Conewago Township

A mosquito spraying operation is set to take place in Gettysburg and Conewago Township on Wednesday night, July 30, 2025, due to the detection of West Nile Virus in local mosquito populations. This will be the second spraying in a week, following the previous round conducted in Conewago Township on July 23, 2025.

The Adams County Conservation District announced that the spraying, which aims to control mosquito populations, will begin around sunset on Wednesday. If weather conditions or other factors delay the operation, it will be rescheduled for Monday, August 4. The spraying will focus on specific areas in both towns, including Myers Memorial Playground, Diller Field, and St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery in Conewago Township, as well as Gettysburg Recreation Park, South Central Community Action Program, Vida Charter School, and several streets in Gettysburg.

Officials emphasized that while the listed roads are for reference, nearby areas may also be sprayed. They noted that high populations of adult mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus have been detected in these locations. According to county data reviewed by the Evening Sun, Conewago Township has the highest number of West Nile Virus detections in Adams County for 2025, with 13 cases reported, compared to one case in Gettysburg and two in Cumberland Township.

What Residents Should Do During Spraying

Residents are advised to remain indoors during the spraying. Once the operation is complete, outside activities can resume after 30 minutes. Officials stated that the sprayer will be turned off if people are seen outside, though this may reduce the effectiveness of the spray. The goal is to minimize the risk of West Nile Virus transmission while ensuring the treatment is as effective as possible.

The spraying will be carried out using an Ultra-Low Volume Truck Mounted Spray, with the product Aquaduet applied at a rate of 0.75 fluid ounces per acre. A single shot glass of Aquaduet is spread over the length of a football field, forming microscopic droplets that target mosquitoes but degrade quickly within 20 minutes. This formulation prevents the product from adhering to plants, exterior surfaces, or groundwater, reducing environmental impact.

The timing of the spraying is also designed to protect beneficial pollinators such as bees, as it occurs after dusk when mosquitoes are most active and pollinators are less likely to be present.

How to Reduce Mosquito Breeding Sites

In addition to the spraying, officials urge residents to eliminate standing water around their homes. Even small amounts of water, such as in a soda bottle cap, can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) recommends that residents "dump, drain, or treat" artificial containers weekly, including tires, buckets, bird baths, and flowerpots.

Natural bodies of water typically contain predators that keep mosquito populations in check, but temporary flooding or stormwater management areas may lead to increased nuisance mosquitoes. The PA DEP notes that if mosquitoes persist after clearing stagnant water, they may be breeding within a quarter-mile of the home. A homeowner's mosquito control guide is available online for additional tips on reducing breeding sites.

Understanding West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause brain inflammation, known as encephalitis, in rare cases. It is not transmitted between humans. Most infections result in no symptoms, with only about 20% of cases leading to mild flu-like illness and 1 in 150 experiencing more severe symptoms. The virus was first identified in the United States in 1999 and in Pennsylvania in 2000.

As of July 29, 2025, no human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in Pennsylvania. Nationally, 98 cases were confirmed across 23 states in 2025, with 53 progressing to encephalitis. However, under-reporting is common, as many mild cases go unnoticed.

Tips to Avoid West Nile Virus

To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, officials recommend:

• Wearing light-colored, loose-fitting long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk.
• Using an electric fan outdoors, as mosquitoes struggle to fly against strong air currents.
• Applying insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Ensuring children are supervised when applying repellent.
• Following label instructions carefully when using any repellent products.

For more information about the spraying or mosquito control measures, residents can contact Madison Lang, the Adams County Mosquito and Tick-Borne Disease Control Specialist, at 717-334-0636 extension 3042 or via email at mlang@adamscountypa.gov.