The City of Dallas has announced a targeted mosquito control operation following recent West Nile virus findings in local mosquito samples.
According to the Dallas County Health and Human Services, Dallas has already lost one resident to the virus this year. A woman from North Dallas who lived in the 75230 ZIP code and had “underlying health conditions” was the sixth person confirmed with the virus in the region, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. Although the DCHHS did not give specific details surrounding the woman’s death, it appears that she died in August.
Weather permitting, spraying will take place nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on September 17 and September 18 in the affected areas, per a City press release. The designated control zone within the 75231 zip code area includes neighborhoods generally bounded by Skillman Street to the north, Abrams Road to the west, Goforth Road to the east, and Northwest Highway to the south.
The Code Compliance Consumer Health division emphasized the importance of community cooperation during the spraying period. The City’s press release urges residents to remain indoors during the spraying times and to avoid contact with the insecticide.
Residents in vehicles during the spraying should keep windows closed and air conditioning on until the spraying is complete. If contact with the spray occurs, people are advised to wash the area affected thoroughly with soap and water. According to City officials, the insecticide, approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, breaks down quickly in the natural sunlight and allegedly leaves no residual effects.
In addition to spraying, the City urges residents to take preventive measures against mosquito bites. This includes minimizing outdoor activities during evening hours and wearing long sleeves and insect repellent when outside.
Dallas officials also emphasize eliminating standing water around homes, which is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Common sources of mosquitoes include dirty swimming pools, stagnant ponds, bird baths, pet dishes, old tires, and clogged gutters. Residents can pick up free mosquito dunks at various Code Compliance Services district offices to help reduce mosquito breeding.
Call 3-1-1 to report standing water or mosquito issues or to be added to the “do not spray” list.
A press release on the City of Dallas’s website details mosquito control measures, preventative actions, and the City’s spray initiative.