West Nile Virus Active In Westover Hills
Greetings!

As you may have noted from recent news reports, West Nile Virus has again become an issue in our town. We first faced this disease back in 2003 when in conjunction with the Tarrant County Health Department, a plan was developed to monitor and address health issues relating to mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus. The monitoring and response plan that we developed has been in place ever since. This plan occasionally triggers responses to threats as they develop such as neighborhood fogging, creek fogging and stagnant water source treatment to cut down on mosquito populations in the area. The last time our plan has triggered such a response was in 2006.  

 

It seems that this year we will again see a higher risk level of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus. Then on July 12, routine mosquito samples collected and sent to the Health Department identified WNV in all three of the collected samples. This raises the risk level of the disease in our area and has triggered an active response similar to what occurred back in 2006. Please note that the following responses will begin on July 25,2012. 
 
RESPONSE ACTIONS 

 

Truck Mounted Fogging

 

The town will be fogged for mosquitos on July 25, 2012. It is recommended you stay indoors during application, bring pets indoors and refresh outdoor animal water devices the next morning. Koi ponds should also be covered.The spray produces a very fine mist of less than 20 microns. There is no evidence suggesting adverse effects of stationery objects. Pool water, if properly filtrated, will be unaffected.

 

Back Pack Fogging

 

We have contracted with Rid-All Pest Control to provide back pack fogging in selectedcreeks that are known harbor sites for mosquitoes. This fogging will be able to precisely apply the spray to just those high risk areas that cannot be reached by truck mounted fogging.

 

Larvaciding

 

Our contract with Rid-All Pest Control will include larvaciding as needed at the request of the Public Works Director.

 

The above activities will be repeated as needed until collection samples indicate that the risk of contracting West Nile has dramatically decreased.

 

What can I do to help eliminate mosquitoes from my yard?
At this time, the Texas Department of State Health Services recommends residents not allow water to stagnate. Citizens can help by being diligent and removing all sources of stagnant water on their property. Areas to look include french drains, gutters, old tires, flowerpots, trash containers, swimming pools, bird baths, pet bowls, etc. Citizens may actively treat areas of stagnant water on their property, not to include creeks and other protected waterways. Mosquito larvicidal treatments can be purchased at feed stores and home improvement centers.

 

Are there any precautions I should take to reduce my risk of getting West Nile Virus?
 Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to avoid getting West Nile Virus. The Texas Department of State Health Services states, "remember the "Four Ds" of DEET, Dress, Dusk and Dawn, and Drain:

  • Apply insect repellent that contains DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide). Be sure to read label instructions. Spray clothing with repellent, as well as exposed skin.
  • Dress in long sleeves and long pants when you are outside.
  • Stay indoors at dusk and dawn, times when infected mosquitoes are most active.
  • Drain standing water in your backyard and neighborhood; old tires, flowerpots, and clogged rain gutters are mosquito-breeding sites.

For More Information, Consult the Following Links...

 

 

If you would like to be placed on a no fogging list or have some questions concerning our Mosquito Response Plan, please call (817) 737-8442 or email us at t.chambers@westoverhills.us .

 

You are encouraged to visit our website at http://westoverhills.us/ for up to date information of this and other activities.

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