Health Department to Spray for Mosquitoes in Mill Creek Area

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health will spray for mosquitoes on the evening of August 13, 2025, in West Philadelphia, specifically targeting the area between 52nd and 54th Streets and Race Street and Girard Avenue. This action follows the identification of adult mosquitoes that could transmit the West Nile virus, which can lead to serious health issues such as West Nile encephalitis. The spraying will employ Duet Duel Action Adulticide, a synthetic pyrethroid that evaporates quickly and leaves no residual effects. Residents are advised to take precautions, such as using EPA-registered repellents and wearing long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito activity hours. Furthermore, they can help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas by removing any standing water sources around their properties.

Clogged gutters and old tires are common culprits that can produce significant mosquito populations. The department emphasizes the importance of personal protection and community efforts in controlling the mosquito population. For more information, residents can refer to the state’s West Nile virus website or contact the local Vector Control program directly.