Allegheny County treating catch basins to slow mosquito breeding

They are one of the annoying things about summer. Those pesky mosquitoes that bite and leave lumps and welts on your skin that itch for days.

But mosquitoes can also be deadly because they spread West Nile virus.

That’s why the Allegheny County Health Department is combating the breeding of mosquitoes by treating catch basins in certain areas of Pittsburgh with pesticides.

“Catch basins are an optimal breeding habitat for mosquitoes in an urban environment like Pittsburgh,” said Lori Horowitz, the health department’s housing and community environment program manager. “The types of mosquitoes that breed in catch basins have the potential of spreading diseases such as West Nile virus.”

The Health Department says basins will be treated with a product that focuses on mosquito larvae to decrease the mosquito population and lessen the chances of the spread of West Nile.

The treatments begin next Monday and continue through Friday, June 10 between 4:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

For those concerned about toxic chemicals being used, the Health Department is doing its best to allay any fears the public may have. It says the product being used, FourStar, is non-toxic to people, pets and aquatic life. The active ingredient is a naturally occurring soil bacteria that kills mosquito larvae, the department said.

Small blocks of it will be placed in the catch basins and treated basins will be marked with bright green paint.

The department is also asking residents to take steps to help it in its efforts to prevent the tiny insects from spreading disease.

“Residents can greatly reduce the mosquito population by eliminating and treating breeding sites on their own properties,” said Dr. Debra Bogen, director of the health department. “Mosquitos can breed in as little as ½-inch deep stagnant water, so be sure to pay close attention to potential breeding sites like stagnant water in tires, unused swimming pools, buckets and clogged gutters.”

Steps the department recommends residents take to prevent mosquito breeding and sheltering include draining all standing water from the property - such as saucers below flower pots, hot tub covers, wading pools, hollow stumps and trash containers - cleaning out clogged roof gutters and drains, and not over watering your yard.

To report potential mosquito breeding sites, contact the Health Department at 412-687-2243.