Philadelphia health officials plan mosquito treatments at FDR Park after samples showed mosquitoes that could potentially carry West Nile virus. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s Vector Control staff shared that they are scheduled to apply treatments to control adult mosquitoes in FDR Park on Monday evening, June 8, 2026, at or around dusk. Officials said samples taken by Vector Control staff in the targeted area have shown adult mosquito populations that can potentially carry the West Nile virus. The treatments will be administered via a truck-mounted machine spraying fine aerosol droplets, according to officials. The mist stays aloft and kills mosquitoes on contact. Officials said the treatment will use Duet Dual Action Adulticide, a synthetic pyrethroid. According to the health department, the product has no residual effects and evaporates quickly into the atmosphere. Certain mosquito species carry West Nile virus; officials shared that, when transmitted to people, it can cause West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. Residents can also help reduce mosquito breeding areas around their homes by: • Removing things that can catch and hold water, like trash cans, plastic containers, or pots.• Drilling holes in the bottom of outdoor trash cans and recycling containers.• Turning over plastic baby pools at the end of the day.• Removing old tires.• Having clogged roof gutters cleaned; roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.• Changing the water in birdbaths frequently.• Cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools; a swimming pool left untended by a family on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in a neighborhood-wide problem. The health department shared you can prevent mosquito bites by : • Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active, or in areas known to have large numbers of mosquitoes.• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk, which are peak mosquito periods, from April through October.• Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellent will contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.• Consult with a pediatrician or family physician about the use of repellent on children. (Repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months.) ...read more read less