Mosquito samples in Dallas tested positive for West Nile Virus, prompting the city to schedule mosquito control spraying between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. from Thursday, June 4 to Friday, June 5, weather permitting. The affected area is within Council District 4, generally bounded by East Overton Road on the north, Sun Valley Drive on the west, Kostner Avenue on the east, and Five Mile Parkway on the south.
The Environmental Protection Agency has approved the insecticide used for treatment. Residents are advised to avoid contact with the spray by staying indoors during spraying hours. Those inside vehicles should keep windows up and air conditioning on until trucks have passed and spray is no longer visible. Individuals who come into contact with the spray are advised to wash thoroughly with soap and water. The city noted that “the spray breaks down quickly in the presence of sunlight and has no residual effect.” People outside during scheduled spraying times should be alert for trucks and not follow them.
Residents are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites by reducing outdoor activity during evening and nighttime hours, covering arms and legs when outdoors at these times, and using mosquito repellent.
To prevent mosquito breeding and reduce risk of West Nile Virus transmission, residents should eliminate standing water around their homes—including swimming pools that are not kept clean, 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. The city warns that mosquitoes can grow from egg to adult in as little as seven days.
Free mosquito dunks are available while supplies last at Code Compliance Services District Offices across Dallas; addresses and phone numbers were provided in the announcement. Residents can report standing water or other mosquito problems by calling 3-1-1 or request inclusion on the City of Dallas Do Not Spray list through this number.
