South Dallas has 2008’s third mosquito carrying the West Nile virus

by PegNews wire

DALLAS — Responding to the third West Nile positive mosquito collection, City of Dallas staff will spray to reduce the number of mosquitoes in an area of south Dallas. Spraying is scheduled to begin on Thursday night after 10 p.m. Friday morning July 31 and will conclude prior to 3 a.m. Friday August 1, 2008, weather permitting.

The area to be sprayed is bounded by Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Julius Schepps Freeway (I-45), Lamar Street, Pine Street, Malcolm X Boulevard, McDermott Street, and Meyers Street.

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. Residents who come in contact with the spray are advised to 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 should be brought inside during the spraying period.

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

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, French drains and clogged rain gutters. Standing water should be eliminated promptly, as mosquitoes can grow from egg to adult in as little as seven days.

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.

To report standing water or mosquito problems Dallas residents should call 3-1-1. For additional information on mosquito control visit http://www.dallascityhall.com/ehs/mosquito_control.html.

Source: City of Dallas