Mosquito samples in Dallas have tested positive for the West Nile Virus, prompting city officials to schedule mosquito control spraying between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. each night from Wednesday, May 27 to Thursday, May 28, weather permitting.
The targeted areas include two locations: one within Council District 9, generally bounded by Lynford Drive on the north, N. Buckner Boulevard on the west, Lullwater Drive on the east, and Brookhurst Drive on the south; and another within Council District 6 at 3600 Bickers Street (75212), bounded by Canada Drive on the north, Norco Street on the west, Jenny Dale Drive on the east, and Singleton Boulevard on the south.
According to city guidance released May 26 by Narada Lee of Code Compliance Consumer Health, residents in these areas are advised to avoid contact with insecticide spray by staying indoors during application times. Those inside vehicles while trucks are spraying should keep windows up and air conditioning running until trucks pass through and spray is no longer visible. Residents who come into contact with spray are advised to wash affected skin thoroughly with soap and water. The city notes that “the spray breaks down quickly in sunlight and has no residual effect.” People outside during scheduled spraying should be alert for trucks but not follow them.
Residents are urged to reduce outdoor activity during evening hours when mosquitoes are most active. Protective measures include covering arms and legs when outdoors at night and using mosquito repellent.
To prevent mosquito breeding—and thereby limit spread of West Nile Virus—residents should eliminate standing water around homes promptly. Potential breeding sites listed include swimming pools that are not maintained cleanly, stagnant ponds, pet watering dishes, birdbaths, potted plants, old tires, empty containers or toys left outside, as well as clogged rain gutters or French drains. Free mosquito dunks are available at Code Compliance Services District Offices while supplies last; addresses for these offices were provided in the announcement.
