Residents of certain areas around Dallas are being urged to stay indoors today and Friday night as the City prepares to conduct another mosquito control spraying following recent positive tests for West Nile Virus.
Weather permitting, the spraying is scheduled to occur today and Friday between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. in areas that include W. Davis Street to the north, Mt. Ararat Street to the west, N. Ravinia Drive to the east, and GibsonDell Avenue to the south, as well as certain areas specifically around the 3600 block of Mt. Royal Street, according to a City press release.
In September, Dallas launched a focused mosquito control initiative in response to recent detections of West Nile virus in local mosquito samples. Additionally, in late August, surrounding areas such as Frisco also reported the presence of the virus in some of the testing results from their “mosquito pools.”
The Environmental Protection Agency has approved the insecticide being used, but officials advise residents to take precautions to minimize exposure to any of the chemicals used in the spray.
Furthermore, while the spray is underway, people in vehicles should keep their windows closed and air conditioning on until the trucks have moved on. People outside should watch out for trucks and avoid following them. If anyone comes in contact with the spray, wash the area with soap and water.
City officials claim the spray quickly breaks down in sunlight, leaving no residual effects.
While Dallas implements these control measures, residents are also reminded to take precautions against mosquito bites. Experts recommend limiting outdoor activities during the evening and night, covering arms and legs, and using mosquito repellent.
City officials also emphasized the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.
Standing water is a prime breeding site for mosquitoes, which can develop from egg to adult in as little as a week. Residents have also been encouraged to check for stagnant water in various locations around their homes, including pet dishes, birdbaths, old tires, and clogged rain gutters.
Sadly, the City registered its first death of the year from the West Nile Virus in August.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, a North Dallas woman was the first person to die this year from the virus, although she had underlying health issues as well. She was the sixth confirmed case of the virus in the region at that time.
For those looking for help to combat the bugs, Dallas residents can obtain free mosquito dunks at Code Compliance Services District Offices while supplies last.