Local communities facing a serious mosquito problem

POTTSTOWN, Pa. (WTXF) - Mosquitos were all over Chris Townsend as he took a break while canoeing on the Schuylkill River.

Townsend spoke to FOX 29 at Riverfront Park in Pottstown where Montgomery County officials say crews are scheduled to spray tonight to clamp down on the high risk of mosquito bites.

"I'm a citronella guy. I normally don't spray anything but if it becomes a health problem I could see where we might need to do something," said Townsend.

The spraying comes the same day Montgomery County health officials say they are investigating two cases of West Nile virus in people.

"When you have mosquitos they're going to transmit diseases cause they're like little hypodermic needles so if we do have a problem like that I could understand," added Townsend.

"With all the rain it's been pretty nasty. They've been eating us alive you know," said local resident Josh Habekost.

Even so, Habekost, who was getting bit while doing yard work, isn't so sure massive bug spraying efforts is the answer.

"They would definitely deter them away from the parks. The problem with those sprays is that they can affect other wildlife and other bugs and stuff so it's a controversial topic," added Habekost.