The City of Dallas announced on June 1 that mosquito samples in Dallas have tested positive for the West Nile virus. Weather permitting, the affected areas are scheduled for mosquito control spraying between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. each night from Tuesday, June 2 to Wednesday, June 3.
The control area is generally bounded by Calculus Drive to the north, Bencrest Place to the west, Midway Road to the east, and Alta Vista Lane to the south in council district 13. Residents in these areas are advised by city officials to avoid contact with the spray by staying indoors during treatment hours. Those inside vehicles while trucks are actively spraying should keep their windows up and air conditioning on until trucks pass and no spray is visible. Individuals outside during scheduled spraying times should remain alert for trucks and not follow them. Residents who come into contact with the spray are advised to wash affected skin thoroughly with soap and water. The city notes that the spray breaks down quickly in sunlight and does not have any residual effect.
Dallas residents are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites by reducing outdoor activity during evening hours when mosquitoes are most active. People outdoors at these times should cover arms and legs and use mosquito repellent.
To prevent mosquito breeding, residents should eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs—such as unmaintained pools, ponds, pet water dishes, birdbaths, potted plants, old tires, empty containers, toys, clogged gutters or French drains—as mosquitoes can develop from egg to adult in just seven days. Free mosquito dunks are available at Code Compliance Services district offices while supplies last.
Residents can report issues related to standing water or mosquitoes by calling 3-1-1 or request addition to Dallas’s Do Not Spray list through this service. More information about mosquito control is available at www.dallascitynews.net/fightthebite.
