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STATE COLLEGE -- Two mosquito samples recently collected in State College Borough have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Vector Management.
The positive tests were reported to the Centre County Planning and Community Development Office. In response, staff from the Centre County Mosquito Disease Control Program are carrying out additional mosquito surveillance, sampling, and larval control measures throughout the area as necessary.
County officials are urging residents to take proactive measures to reduce mosquito populations and lower disease risks across the community. Surveillance data indicates that the most common mosquito species in residential neighborhoods breed in artificial, human-made containers. These range from small items like flower vases, child toys, buckets, and tarps to larger items such as discarded tires and unmaintained swimming pools.
Because natural predators that feed on mosquito larvae are absent in these artificial environments, the insects thrive. Even during periods of drought, artificial containers hold stagnant water, allowing mosquitoes to continue breeding. A single water-filled bucket or tire left in a backyard can produce hundreds to thousands of mosquitoes over the course of a single year.
From May through October, mosquitoes can complete their full life cycle in just five to seven days.
To combat breeding, residents are advised to perform yard inspections, clean up outdoor clutter, and routinely dump out any standing water. Municipal stormwater management systems, which can sometimes contribute to mosquito breeding, are routinely monitored by county control staff. Residents experiencing localized mosquito issues are encouraged to reach out to their local municipality to promote broader community cleanup efforts.
For outdoor activities, officials recommend applying insect repellent. Control products and repellents are available at most home and garden centers. Over-the-counter insecticides may also be purchased from hardware stores as a last resort, provided homeowners strictly follow label instructions during application.
Residents wishing to report local mosquito concerns can do so through the state's West Nile Virus website at www.westnile.state.pa.us.