Health Department Spraying for Mosquitoes in Six Neighborhoods

Published on July 20, 2026

Allegheny County Health Department to Spray Six Neighborhoods After West Nile Virus Detection

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department will be treating six neighborhoods for mosquitoes after recent mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile Virus. The six areas include Edgewood, Garfield, Homewood, Point Breeze, Regent Square, and Wilkinsburg.

The health department will be using a pesticide called Zenivex E20, amongst the safest insecticides approved for use by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP).

The pesticide is purposefully administered in a way that reduces the amount used, only works on contact with mosquitoes, and degrades rapidly in the presence of sunlight. The health department uses all the proper techniques to ensure the pesticide low risk to people, pets, and wildlife including pollinators.

Crews will use a truck mounted sprayer on Wednesday, July 22nd, from 8 pm to 11 pm. In the event of rain, spraying will take place the next day during the same hours.

“Generally, the species of mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus are active from dusk to dawn,” said Allegheny County Health Department Vector Control Specialist Nicholas Baldauf. “To deter mosquito bites, we encourage people to use insect repellent on exposed skin or to wear long sleeves and pants. Both methods are effective at reducing or eliminating the possibility of getting a mosquito bite.”

West Nile Virus is the leading mosquito-borne disease in the United States. It is spread to people by bites from infected mosquitoes. Cases of West Nile Virus occur during mosquito season, which starts in the spring and continues through the fall.

Most people infected with West Nile Virus do not feel sick. Only one in five people infected with the virus develop a fever and other symptoms, such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Less than one percent of infected people develops serious illness.

There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat West Nile Virus. Residents who believe they, or someone they know, have West Nile Virus should consult a health care provider for evaluation and diagnosis.

“Allegheny County residents play an important role when it comes to reducing the area’s mosquito population,” said Baldauf. “Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a half inch of stagnant water, so residents should pay close attention to potential breeding sites like stagnant water in tires, unused swimming pools, buckets, corrugated piping, and clogged gutters.”

Residents can report mosquito breeding sites on both private properties and public areas to the Allegheny County Health Department’s Housing and Community Environment Program by calling 412-350-4046.

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The Allegheny County Health Department's mission is to protect, promote, and preserve the health and well-being of the more than 1.2 million people who call Allegheny County home.

Media inquiries may be directed to Ronnie Das,
Public Information Officer for the Health Department,
at ronnie.das@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-578-7991.