Mesquite, TX – July 23, 2020 – The City of Mesquite has an Integrated Mosquito Management Plan to help keep citizens safe. Each week, City staff with the Health Division set up 23 traps around Mesquite to measure the mosquito population. All the mosquito trap samples are then tested for West Nile Virus either at the Dallas County lab or the State lab in Austin.
As mosquitoes with the West Nile virus are detected, the City will spray the neighborhood approximately one half mile from the trap, twice in four days, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. The spray will be administered using small amounts of Permethrin. It is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved pesticide used in over 1,400 products including flea collars and other products for household pets. The Health Division also uses larvicide, which has also been approved by The EPA to kill mosquito larvae in standing water before mosquitoes can emerge as adults.
You can do your part by applying the 4 Ds:
- Dusk and dawn are the times of day mosquitoes are most active and you should try to stay indoors.
- Dress in long sleeves and pants when you are outside. For extra protection, you may want to spray thin clothing with repellent.
- DEET is an ingredient to look for in your insect repellent you should always wear outdoors.
- Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood where mosquitoes can breed.
For more information, call the City at 972.216.8138 or visit www.cityofmesquite.com/Mosquito which has additional educational details.
