City will spray after two mosquito traps test positive for West Nile virus
Today, the City's environmental services division was notified that two mosquito traps tested positive for West Nile virus. One positive trap is in the 300 block of Northwest Hillery Street. The second positive trap is in the 300 block of West Eldred Street.
The City of Burleson will conduct ground-based spraying for mosquitoes starting at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30. The ground spraying will be performed by trucks with foggers in targeted subdivisions within designated spray zones. (see Hillery map; see Eldred map). The Hillery Street designated spray zone includes 8.44 miles of street, which encompasses 2,565 single family homes and 318 apartment units. The Eldred Street designated spray zone includes 14.37 miles of street and encompasses 841 single family homes and 62 apartment units.
Spraying in both zones will take place between 9 p.m. on Aug. 30 and 6 a.m. on Aug. 31 then again from 9 p.m. on Sunday to 6 a.m. on Monday, weather permitting. In the event of rain or if wind speeds are above 10 miles per hour, the spraying will be rescheduled.
This method of spraying is most effective on flying mosquitoes that come into contact with the pesticide in the spray or fog. These times have been chosen because they are the times that most mosquitoes are active (flying).
The City has hired a private contractor to conduct the spraying. The product being used is Envion 30-30. The active chemical agent in Envion is permethrin. It is applied with a vehicle mounted Ultra Low Volume (ULV) sprayer. Although the product that is being sprayed from ground level produces no significant health risk, residents are still advised to take precautionary measures if spraying occurs in their neighborhood.
- Whenever possible, stay indoors during spraying.
- Some individuals are sensitive to pesticides. Persons with asthma or other respiratory conditions are encouraged to stay inside during spraying since there is a possibility that spraying could worsen these conditions.
- Central air conditioners may remain on. Persons with window unit air conditioners who wish to reduce the possibility of indoor exposure to pesticides should set the air conditioner vent to the "closed" position or choose the "recirculate" function.
- Remove children's toys, outdoor equipment and clothes from outdoor areas during spraying. If these items are exposed to pesticides, wash with soap and water before using again.
- Remove pets, along with their food and water bowls, from outdoor areas during spraying.
- Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water.
- Any produce grown, stored or kept outdoors and exposed to spraying should be washed thoroughly before cooking or eating.
- Anyone experiencing adverse reactions to pesticides should seek medical care or call 911.
According to Lisa Duello, director of neighborhood services, the City will continue to be proactive in working to reduce the mosquito population through surveillance and control activities. Environmental Services has been collecting mosquito samples and testing since April. Mosquito traps have been placed in areas throughout the city. These areas are surveyed to identify mosquito breeding grounds and wherever possible, stagnant water is treated with the appropriate larvicides. In addition to applying larvicide, the City responds to calls from residents who identify areas of concern in their neighborhoods.
To further reduce the mosquito population, the City of Burleson is giving away mosquito larvicide or "dunks" to Burleson residents who would like to begin a personal mosquito-control program. "Dunks" are small tablets comprised of an environmentally-safe larvicide that specifically targets and eliminates mosquito larvae when placed in standing water for 30 - 45 days. Common examples of standing water include bird baths, planter basins, stagnant traps, and water troughs.
The City will give away two free dunks per household to residents who come to the Municipal Service Center, 725 S.E. John Jones Dr. Residents must show proof of residency such as a utility bill or driver's license. The Municipal Service Center is open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The City has a limited supply and the program is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Mosquito dunks are also available at most local home, garden, and hardware stores.
Residents are encouraged to defend themselves from mosquito bites by following the 4 D's (Deet, Dress, Dusk & Dawn and Drain). Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Dress in long sleeves and long pants when you are outside. Stay indoors during dusk and dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active. Drain standing water in your backyard and neighborhood - old tires, flowerpots, and clogged rain gutters are just a few examples of areas where water can stand.
For more information, please call Neighborhood Services at 817-426-9832.
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