Latest news with #NickBaldauf
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Allegheny County crews start treating stormwater catch basins to control mosquito population
Allegheny County's next step in controlling the mosquito population is treating stormwater catch basins in multiple communities that act as breeding grounds for the bugs. Treatment of basins in Pittsburgh, McKees Rocks, Millvale, Mt. Oliver and Wilkinsburg began on Monday and is expected to be completed by June 6. Work could be postponed if there's heavy rain. County officials say the approximately 14,000 basins being treated have had a history of West Nile in previous years. Community members can identify a treated basin by a bright green paint marking. During treatment, health department crews will deposit small blocks of Altosid XR, a product that targets mosquito larvae. It's non-toxic to people, pets, plants and aquatic life. It's the same product the health department used to treat wetlands earlier in the spring. The public can also help reduce the mosquito population by reducing breeding sites on their properties. 'Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a half inch of stagnant water, so be sure to pay close attention to potential breeding sites like water in tires, tarps, unused swimming pools, corrugated piping, buckets, and clogged gutters,' said Nick Baldauf of the Allegheny County Health Department. You notify officials of a breeding ground by filing a complaint online or by calling 412-350-4046. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
CBS News
20-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Allegheny County Health Department treating stormwater catch basins for mosquitoes
The Allegheny County Health Department has begun treating stormwater catch basins in Pittsburgh and the boroughs of Bellevue, McKees Rocks, Millvale, Mount Oliver, and Wilkinsburg for mosquitoes. "Catch basins are favorable breeding habitats for mosquitoes in urban environments," said ACHD Housing and Community Environment Vector Control Specialist Nick Baldauf. "The mosquitoes that breed in catch basins have the potential for spreading disease, such as West Nile Virus, to residents." The treatments will take place from May 19-23 and June 2-6 between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., but may be postponed due to heavy rains. The health department will treat approximately 14,000 catch basins throughout these areas because of a history of West Nile activity in previous years. The product being used, Altosid XR, is non-toxic to people, pets, plants, and other aquatic life, per a press release from the health department. Small blocks of the product will be deposited in the catch basins, and treated basins will be marked with bright green paint. The larvicide will help limit the number of adult mosquitoes that potentially transmit diseases to people and pets. "Residents can greatly reduce the mosquito population by eliminating and treating potential breeding sites on their properties," said Baldauf. "Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a half inch of stagnant water, so be sure to pay close attention to potential breeding sites like water in tires, tarps, unused swimming pools, corrugated piping, buckets, and clogged gutters." To report potential mosquito breeding sites, contact the Health Department's Housing and Community Environment Program by calling 412-350-4046 or through its website.
