at skeeters

By DON McCRAINE The Natchez Democrat

CENTREVILLE &045;&045; Two area towns have teamed up to eliminate mosquitoes in an effort to battle the growing West Nile virus epidemic.

Dozens of cases of West Nile in humans have been confirmed in Louisiana, including one just south of here in East Feliciana Parish.

On Tuesday, state health officials said no human cases have been diagnosed in Wilkinson or Amite counties.

But the mosquito-borne disease has been found in area birds and horses.

Mayor Bill Adams said Gloster has been spraying for mosquitoes for several years now.

&uot;We spray twice weekly on every street in town,&uot; Adams said, adding that this year Gloster is assisting Centreville with mosquito control.

&uot;We lend the equipment to Centreville, and they pay for the chemicals and the independent contractor who does the spraying,&uot; he said.

Mayor David Owens is hopeful that Centreville aldermen will agree to purchase a sprayer at next Tuesday’s board meeting.

&uot;Meanwhile, we are spraying three to four times a week with Gloster’s equipment, and we will continue to spray throughout the summer,&uot; said Owens.