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Lions Rid Area of Pesky Mosquitoes

Last updated on Saturday, June 30, 2012

(BEDFORD) - The Bedford Lions Club again has declared war on mosquitoes and other bothersome insects in the project that has taken place annually since 1956.

"The club normally does two complete sprayings of Bedford each year, but very few reports of mosquitoes have been received so far due to the hot, dry weather we have been experiencing," said Jon Heichelbech, co-chairman with Phil Mitchell of the club's insect control program.

"So far we have sprayed two local youth camps as well as the Judah Festival, and will soon be spraying the Lawrence County 4-H fairgrounds prior to the start of this year's fair. We currently have enough spray on hand for two complete rounds of the city."

The city furnishes insecticide used in the spraying, and the Lions Club purchases the mineral oil that is mixed with the insecticide, Heichelbech explained - one gallon of insecticide to 10 gallons of mineral oil.

"The chemical comes from Clark Chemical Co., which also certifies our equipment," he said. "Once a second round is completed, the club continues to hit the hot spots. Club members donate all the labor involved, and the club purchases gas and oil needed for the truck on which the fogging machine is mounted."

The fogging machine is mounted at the rear of a 2003 Ford Ranger, which was a gift to the Lions Club from an anonymous donor seven years ago. The truck was made available to the donor at cost by Richard Burton of Bedford Ford-Lincoln-Mercury and Mitchell Motor Sales.

Anyone who knows of a specific location in Bedford that may need to be sprayed for mosquitoes can contact Heichelbech at 797-5091 or Mitchell at 277-6581.

Part of the proceeds from the Lions Club's annual Pancake Festival and annual Fall Flapjack Feast goes toward insect-fogging.

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