August 25, 2025

Durham. NC - On Tuesday, August 26, the Durham County Department of Public Health (DCoDPH), in contract with service provider Mosquito Squad, will begin mosquito control spraying along the Ellerbe Creek Trail – Stadium Drive to Club Boulevard – following confirmation of West Nile virus in the area. The trail will be closed from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. as a barrier spray is applied along the entire length of the trail. It will reopen for regular use following spraying.

 

Spraying crews will apply Essential Botanical Insecticide (EBI), a natural pest control product, to reduce the number of mosquitoes currently in the area and prevent new mosquito activity. This will be the first of four spraying sessions, each occurring approximately 21 days apart, weather permitting. Additional dates will be shared in later news releases and on the DCoDPH website and social media as they are confirmed. 

 

EBI is made from plant-derived essential oils like cedar, thyme, and cinnamon. It functions as a natural alternative to synthetic pesticides, providing control of existing mosquitoes, ongoing residual control, and repellency for up to 21 days. The EBI formula is non-toxic to people and pets when used as directed. The trail will remain safe for use upon reopening. 

 

About West Nile Virus 

 

West Nile virus is a disease transmitted to people primarily transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. It cannot be spread by casual person-to-person contact.

 

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. About 1 in 150 people who are infected develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system, with symptoms including high fever, headache, muscle weakness, vision loss, and numbness. If you suspect you may have West Nile virus, talk with your health care provider. More information about West Nile symptoms can be found on the CDC’s website here.  

 

To prevent mosquito bites and vector-borne disease, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recommends the following: 

• When spending time outdoors, use an EPA-registered insect repellentand wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin. Remember to always follow label instructions when using these products. 
• Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors. 
• Prevent water from collecting in containers around your home. After every rainfall, tip out any containers that can hold water, even a small amount, such as saucers under flowerpots. Cover, turn over or throw away items like toys, buckets and tires. Change the water in birdbaths and pet bowls at least twice a week.  
• Keep gutters clean and in good repair and replace corrugated downspout extensions with smooth extensions to prevent mosquito larvae from growing. 
• Make sure rain barrels have tight-fitting screens or lids. 
• Treat standing water in containers and low areas around the home with EPA-approved larvicides. Many options are available that last for weeks to months. 
• When possible, drain any standing water on your property such as puddles and ditches that hold water for more than four days after rain. 
• Use screened windows and doors, and make sure screens fit tightly and are not torn. 

 

For more information, visit the NCDHHS West Nile Virus webpage or the CDC West Nile virus webpage and learn more about preventing mosquito bites.