PC council hires Altoona to spray for mosquitoes

The City Council has hired the City of Altoona to spray for mosquitoes and will be using a spray that is the least toxic organophosphate registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for mosquito control – Sumithrin Piperonyl Butoxide (Synergized Synthetic Pyrethroid). An ultra-low (ULV) cold aerosol insecticide generator/sprayer is used that targets mosquitoes.

Mosquito control and your safety are important and that’s why we use chemicals and techniques that meet EPA standards. If you have questions regarding the chemicals used, please stop at City Hall and a copy of the information will be provided.

Spraying will be at approximately 8:30 p.m. July 26 pending favorable weather conditions.

While many citizens want the city to spray, others would like to discontinue the spraying. If you do not want the city to spray your area for mosquitoes, please contact city hall at 515-994-2649.

YARD & HOME CHECKLIST

• Get rid of old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles, or any water-holding containers.
• Fill in or drain any low places (puddles, ruts) in yard.
• Keep drains, ditches and culverts clean of weeds and trash, so water will drain properly.
• Cover trash containers to keep out rainwater.
• Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets.
• Empty plastic wading pool at least once a week and store it indoors when not in use.
• Make sure your backyard pool is properly cared for while on vacation.
• Fill in tree root holes and hollow stumps that hold water with sand or concrete.
• Change the water in birdbaths, plant pots and drip trays at least once each week.

Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well-trimmed around the house so adult mosquitoes will not have a place to hide.