The City of Arlington is taking measures to curtail the spread of West Nile Virus (WNV) after confirming three positive mosquito samples. A targeted ground spraying operation is scheduled to critically decrease the population of virus-infected mosquitoes in specific locations throughout the city. These areas include West Sublett Road at South Bowen Road, Mansfield Webb Road at Ballweg Road, and Forest Edge Drive at Park Row Drive, as reported by the City of Arlington.
To thoroughly address the issue, contractors will perform ground spraying over two consecutive nights, on Tuesday, Aug. 27, and Wednesday, Aug. 28, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., weather permitting. The approach follows the recommendations of Arlington Health Authority, Tarrant County Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only targeting areas confirmed to harbor the virus. The pesticide in use is a water-based permethrin product, to be applied in ultra-low volumes.
Arlington's methodical efforts in mosquito management began at the onset of mosquito season, including routine trapping and strategic larvicide applications. Crews have also diligently surveyed for and eliminated standing water, a known breeding ground for mosquitoes.
In addition to these measures, Arlington has joined forces with Tarrant County Public Health in a public education campaign. They advocate the wearing of long sleeves and pants outside, applying DEET-based repellents following label instructions, and eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites, such as old tires, flowerpots, and clogged rain gutters. For standing water that cannot be readily drained, residents are advised to regularly apply "mosquito dunks," a biological larvicide available at local stores, as described in the City of Arlington.
As the ground spraying commences, city officials assure there are no expected risks to animals or the environment, with no special precautions necessary. Those concerned about pesticide exposure, particularly individuals with chemical sensitivities or respiratory conditions like asthma, can decrease the potential for exposure by staying indoors during spraying hours. Post-application, the permethrin product dissipates and breaks down with little residual environmental impact.
