Aerial
spraying for West Nile Virus continues tonight in the City of Dallas;
Residents
encouraged to drain standing water to prevent more mosquitoes
Dallas – Sunday evening’s aerial spraying was a success, with four planes
covering the remaining 226,000 acres needed to complete the first round of
application in those areas of Dallas County participating. Tonight, five planes
will apply a second round of insecticide, weather permitting, to the entire
target area of 362,328 acres, hoping to cover every city participating in the
aerial spraying mission.
Spraying will begin at 9 p.m.
in the City of Dallas, earlier in other cities. Residents in all neighborhoods
of Dallas should expect spraying to occur sometime between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. According
to Dr. Roger Nasci and Dr. Janet McAllister of the Centers for Disease Control,
(CDC) a second application is recommended to kill the larvae that have hatched
since the first spraying event.
Until the results of tonight’s spraying mission are known, it is
undetermined whether aerial spraying will occur Tuesday evening. CDC
Representatives will be in North Texas this week, surveying and analyzing the
region’s efforts to combat the West Nile Virus and will make recommendations on
how to proceed.
“Now that the aerial assault is showing positive preliminary results, we
need to expand our assault on the ground and enlist residents to join the fight
by draining standing water to cut off mosquito breeding grounds,” said Mayor
Mike Rawlings. "It only takes
a little soil, compost or a few leaves, and water that stands stagnant for 1-2
weeks, to breed mosquitoes."
Therefore, in addition to the aerial campaign, the City of Dallas is encouraging
residents to take the following steps:
· Empty or get rid of
cans, buckets, bottles, old tires, empty pots, plant saucers and other
containers that hold water.
· Keep gutters clear of
debris and standing water. Remove standing water around structures and from
flat roofs.
· Change water in pet
dishes at least once a day. Change water in wading pools and bird baths several
times a week.
· Fill in low areas in the
yard and holes in trees that catch water.
· Maintain your backyard
pool or hot tub and be sure someone takes care of it if you are out of town.
· Stock ornamental ponds
with fish that eat mosquitoes.
· Cover trash containers
so they will not collect water.
· Water lawns and gardens
carefully so water does not stand for several days.
· Repair any leaking
plumbing and outside faucets.
· Screen rain barrels and
openings to water tanks or cisterns.
· Keep drains and ditches
clear of weeds and trash so water will not collect.
Aerial spraying precautions:
Aerial spraying is considered to be an effective and safe way to kill adult mosquitoes in large, densely populated areas. Although the pesticide is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, residents are advised to take the following precautions:
· Avoid being outside during spraying; close windows and keep pets inside.
· If skin or clothes are exposed, wash them with soap and water.
· Rinse homegrown fruits and vegetables with water as a general precautionary
measure.
· Cover small ornamental fish ponds.
· Because the chemical breaks down quickly in
sunlight and water, no special precautions are suggested for outdoor swimming
areas.
Residents are also urged to reduce outdoor activity during
evening and nighttime hours. When outside, cover arms and legs and use a
mosquito repellant. Standing water should be eliminated promptly, as mosquitoes
can grow from egg to adult in as little as seven days. 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 and French drains. To report standing water or mosquito problems, call 3-1-1. For more information on West Nile Virus aerial spraying, visit www.DallasCityHall.com.
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