SMETHPORT — Since 2019, McKean County has received a mosquito grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection to treat for mosquitoes in areas that have historically had high mosquito populations, such as Eldred and Port Allegany boroughs and Eldred, Annin and Otto townships.

Monitoring is conducted near citizen complaints and habitats that frequently flood along the Allegheny River and Potato Creek. Prime mosquito habitat (woodland pools/floodplains/oxbows of the Allegheny River, i.e. water that lays for 5 to 7 days and then dries up) that produce nuisance mosquitoes and is close proximity to the town of Eldred. These nuisance mosquitoes lay eggs in mud, dry out, and after excessive rain falls in the floodplains and woodland pools, hatch into larvae. Spring mosquitoes produce one generation while summer mosquitoes produce multiple generations. Adult mosquitoes can live up to 30 days after hatching.

Early and aggressive larval control is the main focus of McKean County’s program. McKean County uses BTI, a naturally occurring soil bacteria that lasts for about 24 hours, to treat standing water that contains mosquito larvae. Mosquito larvae eat this bacteria in the water and die. Portions of State Game Land (SGL) 301 are also monitored and treated for larvae every year with a permit obtained from the PA Game Commission. Permanent water (ponds and lakes) on SGL 301 is normally not a mosquito concern because other aquatic life (fish, frogs, salamanders, dragonfly larvae) will eat the mosquito larvae.

McKean County will continue to spot-treat the woodland pools and floodplains they have access to and conduct adult mosquito control to handle anything that escapes that treatment. One of the best things you can do to help eliminate problems with mosquitoes is to reduce potential habitat around your home. Common places around the home to find larvae are clogged gutters, trash cans, buckets, wheelbarrows, tires, tarps, abandoned pools and rain barrels. Check these habitats frequently and if breeding mosquitoes, dump, drain or permanently remove the habitat if possible.

It’s important to be vigilant and protect against mosquito bites. Wear long sleeves and pants when possible, stay indoors at dusk, and wear repellent. DEET, Picardin, IR3535 and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus are registered with the EPA.

If you are experiencing mosquito issues, the best link for reporting is at Vector Management | Department of Environmental Protection | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. If you do not have broadband or need assistance with your reporting form, contact McKean County at our automated mosquito hotline (814) 887-3225 where you can leave a voicemail with your contact information. You can also visit the county website at mckeancountypa.gov and click on “How Do I” in the top bar to find the link to the form to assist with mosquitoes in McKean County.