More West Nile Info

Download a PDF flier on the West Nile virus here.

UPDATE - West Nile Info

Press release from Dallas City Hall:

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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