The Other Health Crisis: Dallas Sprays To Prevent West Nile Virus

DALLAS, TX – Under the best circumstances, they're annoying. But now a local mosquito sample has tested positive for the West Nile Virus, and that means we're all about to get deloused.

Brace yourself, Dallas: Weather permitting, the area described below is scheduled for mosquito control spraying on Wednesday, June 30th between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. each night.

According to city health officials, here's how it will work.

Control Area: The area to be sprayed is within an area generally bounded by: 2900 block of Sundial 75229: North Bend Drive on the north, Grissom Lane on the west, Webb Chapel Road on the east, and Flowerdale Lane on the south.

While the Environmental Protection Agency approves the insecticide for treatment, residents in the above areas should avoid contact with the spray by staying indoors. People 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 through, and the spray is no longer visible.

People who are out during the scheduled spraying time should be alert for trucks and should not follow them. Residents who come into 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.

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

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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 and French drains. Eliminate standing water promptly, as mosquitoes can grow from egg to adult in as little as seven days. Dallas residents may receive free mosquito dunks at Code Compliance Services District Offices while supplies last.

Code District Offices:
3112 Canton Street (Code Administration)
7901 Goforth Road (North Central, North East)
2721 Municipal St. (South East)
320 East Jefferson Blvd. (Central/South Central)
4230 W. Illinois Ave (South West)
9803 Harry Hines Blvd. (North West)

To report standing water or mosquito problems Dallas residents should call 3-1-1. To be added to the City of Dallas Do Not Spray list contact 3-1-1. For additional information on mosquito control, visit www.dallascitynews.net/fightthebite.

Dallas Alert:
To receive alerts about mosquito spraying in your area the City of Dallas developed the Dallas Alert program to enhance the emergency notification system. Dallas Alert allows for additional communication options including cell phone and email. The information you enter will only be used for emergency purposes. This OPT-IN system will notify subscribers to potential risks with information on the event and/or actions (such as evacuation) that the City and local Public Safety Officials are advising. To register with Dallas Alert, visit https://bit.ly/3se4cxl.

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