DeSoto will see another round of ground spraying by Dallas County as another mosquito sample has tested positive for the West Nile Virus.
The Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) laboratory confirmed the positive result and will spray for the virus late night on July 24 and 25, according to city officials.
“The samples were collected from mosquito traps from the DeSoto 75115 zip code. In conjunction with the Dallas County municipalities, mosquito abatement teams are responding by treating impacted areas,” a statement by the city read.
The ground spraying is scheduled to begin from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on both days.
Residents in affected areas are encouraged to help eliminate insect breeding areas and larvae before they become adult mosquitoes.
Some ways that residents can help include treating standing water with EPA-approved larvicides (also known as Mosquito Dunks) that are available from the Action Center in City Hall.
These treatments are available at no charge.
City officials also urge residents to take the following precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites:
- Whenever outside, use insect repellents that have the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-registered repellents, and always follow label instructions.
- Dress appropriately: Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing when outside.
- Drain: Remove or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace where mosquitoes could lay eggs.
- All Day Long: Limit your time outdoors, as mosquitoes are active any time of day, including dawn, dusk, and throughout the night. Residents should remain inside during the time sprayers are in the area. Spraying will not be conducted in the event of wind speeds exceeding 10 mph or during inclement weather. A detailed map of the spray area can be viewed below:
For additional information about West Nile Virus and its prevention, visit the County’s website.