Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Vector Management has reported 1 mosquito sample testing positive for West Nile Virus in Butler Township, Luzerne County. Additional mosquito surveillance, sampling, and larval control are being performed as necessary by the Luzerne Conservation District Mosquito-borne Disease Control Program staff.
With West Nile Virus found in a mosquito sample in the township, it is important that residents take time to inspect their yards and take a few minutes to clean up and dump out any sources of stagnant water. Mosquito surveillance indicates that many common mosquito species in residential areas come from artificial containers left behind by humans. Artificial containers such as tires, buckets, child toys, tarps, and even swimming pools are preferred by mosquitoes because natural predators that prey on mosquito larvae are not present. One bucket or tire in someone’s backyard can produce hundreds to thousands of mosquitoes in a year.
Please note that West Nile Virus (WNV) is not new to Luzerne County. It first appeared in Pennsylvania in 2000 and has consistently been found in Luzerne County since then. Butler and Hanover Townships hold the first Luzerne WNV positives in 2023. Residents can contact the Luzerne Conservation District Mosquito-borne Disease Control Program by calling 570-674-7991 x6 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
For more information on West Nile Virus, please visit https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/ProgramIntegration/Vector-Management/Mosquitoes/Pages/default.aspx.
Current Counties Positive for West Nile Virus
Tips to Reduce Mosquito Breeding in Your Home
- Don't let water go stagnant. Mosquitoes need stagnant, still water to lay their eggs and for the young to successfully hatch and mature.
- Dump stagnant water out.
- Pick up your litter.
- Pay attention to your water features.
- Drain or throw out tires.
- Declutter and get rid of junk in your yard.