Ortonville – Lately, neither mosquitos nor some residents are glad to see Brian McLean in their neighborhood.
McLean, owner of Green Hornet Pest Control, was hired by the village to step-up efforts to prevent the West Nile virus.
Brian McLean has been spraying pesticides in the village of Ortonville since late May. However, some residents are concerned the effects of the spray may be unhealthy.
‘We all know the village council should be lauded for caring about the West Nile virus,? said Fred Howard, village resident.
‘But I’m asking you to amend the contract with Green Hornet to stop spraying the ball field.?
Recently Ferndale city officials found mosquitos in their area carrying the virus increasing the concern during the summer. Yet, at the same time Howard asked the village council to cancel the Green Hornet contract and stop spraying the village park and baseball field.
By the end of the summer 2002, the West Nile Virus outbreak hit Oakland County. The result was more than 200 confirmed cases of people effected with the virus, including 20 fatalities.
The virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, causing flu- like symptoms. Severe cases may even cause death. People over 50 years of age and those with immune problems or chronic illness are more likely to become seriously ill. Children and seniors are most susceptible.
Howard told council the village is wasting thousands of dollars on ineffective spraying of parks and ball fields, because, in his opinion, mosquitos do not live in grass or dirt fields.
‘If you keep spraying the ball fields, you will keep being ineffective and wasting money,? he said.
In a county wide attempt to decrease the spread of the virus, the village council Ok’d $1,800 additional this year, for increased mosquito applications, in hopes of combating the infestation of the virus locally.
The council signed a contract with Green Hornet to increase the frequency of applications, as well as expanded the areas, which will include the Senior Center, on Ball Street, and the Old Mill property. Both ofthese areaswere not included in the 2002 spray schedule of the baseball fields on Ball, Crossman, and Narrin streets, plus Sherman Parks. Oakland County supplemented $700 of the funding for the increased protection.
Another concern for Howard is that all pesticides contain toxins, although the base for the pesticide used in the village is a chrysanthemum extract, which Howard concedes puts his mind at ease.
‘A lot of people are worried about the environment but the first time someone gets West Nile Virus they won’t think about the environment then,? said McLean.
Lambdacyhalothrin, or ‘Demand? is the name of the pesticide used by Green Hornet and McLean said it has a very low toxicity. Certified by the Michigan State Department of Agriculture to use the spray, McLean said it is the number one, nonrestricted, non-air borne pesticide on the market, and can be used inside and outside of the home.
‘They are really making chemicals a lot safer and more effective,? said McLean.
‘The toxicity is only enough to kill the bugs.?
‘The product is core test certified, and not harmful to plants, people or animals.?
‘Further, once dry you never know it’s there, and is non-air borne,? he said.
McLean said by spraying the fields the mosquitoes come in contact with the agent as they take refuge from sun , effectively killing the adult mosquitoes for up to three weeks after application.
‘Spraying the fields is an effective way to keep infestation down, creating a barrier from the woods and wetland breeding areas which interrupts the reproductive process,? said McLean.
‘The virus is slowly making its way north and it’s going to be a long process.?
‘It’s a learning process and we are writing the books on it as we go along.?
‘That is the very best that can be done,? McLean said.
Until something else can be done to stop the spread of the virus, Village President Sue Bess said that the village will continue with the contracted spraying schedule.
‘Until there is more control over the virus, we will keep doing what we are doing,? Bess said.