Local Farmers Take Caution from Zika Spray

Ruff, 18 news.

A zika spray that was intended to kill mosquitos in the south, ended up killing millions of bees.

Local farmers in our area are now are now being cautious.

18 news reporter michelle ross caught up with one local farmer.

Bill draper: "we haven't been affected as far as we know at this point."

After a zika spray - containing nah-lid - killed millions of bees in south carolina, local farmers are taking caution.

But what exactly is nah-lid?

According to the e-p-a, it's an insecticide that's been registered to use in the u.s. since 1959.

It's primary use is to routinely control adult mosquitoes.

One local bee farmer in northern pennsylvania was lucky enough to not get hit with the spray.

But he explains how beekeepers can protect their hives.

Bill draper: "put wet burlap bags, for instance, over the hives or a canvas or something like that temporarily until the spray passes over.

That can happen that way if you need to, but it's not something we desire really to do."

He says the closest he's come to the spray was just above the border.

Bill draper: "in new york state, in big flats, they sprayed up there because of harris hill, but they did it in july.

So, i don't think now is the time they would be doing it up here, because we're approaching fall season - cold weather - not so much of an issue with the mosquitoes."

And while the e-p-a says nah-lid is safe in small doses, the chemical compound is banned in europe.

The manufacturers label of the insecticide trumpet -- where nah-lid is the main component - states that it may be fatal if swallowed.

So there is controversy.

But what can you do to protect you and your children?

During spraying, stay indoors - with windows closed.

If you are outside during the spray, try to avoid all contact with it.

If this unavoidable, rinse your skin and eyes with water as soon as possible.

Wash fruits and vegetables from your garden prior to storing, cooking, and eating.

And lastly, cover outside items like furniture and grills.

Draper adding that if anything were to happen to his bees, production from one season can last for two years... as the sweetener has an indefinite shelf life, not requiring him to rely on - immediate - production.

Reporting live in the studio, michelle