Dallas to spray for mosquitoes in response to West Nile case

by PegNews wire

City of Dallas staff will spray to reduce the number of mosquitoes in an area of Lake Highlands. Weather conditions permitting, spraying is scheduled for Friday night into Saturday morning, September 28/29, 2007. Spraying will begin after 10:00 p.m. and will conclude prior to 3:00 a.m.

Control Area: The area to be sprayed is within an area bounded by Estate Lane, White Rock Trail, Goforth Road, Lanshire Drive and Audelia Road.

While the insecticide is considered safe, residents in the above areas should avoid contact with the spray by staying indoors. Persons inside a vehicle while trucks are actively spraying should remain in their vehicles with the windows up and the air conditioner on until the trucks pass and the spray is no longer visible. Persons out when spraying is to take place should be alert for trucks and should not follow them. If contacted by the spray, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. The spray breaks down quickly in the presence of sunlight and has no residual effect. Fish ponds should be protected and pets may be brought inside during the spraying period.

Protection against mosquito bites

Dallas residents are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites by reducing outdoor activity during evening and nighttime hours. Residents who are outside during these times should cover their arms and legs and use a mosquito repellent.

Prevent mosquito breeding

Residents should eliminate standing water to prevent mosquito breeding and the spread of West Nile Virus. Breeding places for mosquitoes include swimming pools that are not kept clean, stagnant ponds, pet watering dishes, birdbaths, potted plants, old tires, empty containers, toys and clogged rain gutters. Standing water should be eliminated promptly, as mosquitoes can grow from egg to adult in as little as seven days.

City's mosquito spray program

The pesticide and spray methods are adapted for the purpose of reducing the adult mosquito population. Only those areas where infected mosquitoes have been found are scheduled for spraying. The active ingredients in the pesticides used are permethrin and piperonyl butoxide. A 300-foot swath is the effective range and only insects present and which come into contact with the pesticide may be killed. Insects which are not active at night like bees and dragon flies should not be affected.

Source: City of Dallas