The City of Arlington has initiated targeted ground spraying following the confirmation of seven positive West Nile Virus (WNV) mosquito samples. According to the City of Arlington, these areas will undergo spraying rapidly to reduce the adult mosquito population known to be infected with the virus. The Town of Pantego has also confirmed a positive sample which will affect a portion of Arlington during this initiative.
Spraying is set to take place across several specific locations, including East Road to Six Flags Drive, Jake Langston Park, Yaupon Drive, and other mapped areas on August 6-7 between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., weather permitting. The City's contractors will employ an ultra-low volume application of water-based permethrin to target adult mosquitoes in areas where other measures, such as larvicide, have been insufficient.
Residents are urged to take preventive steps as recommended by Arlington Public Health and the CDC, including wearing long sleeves and pants, using DEET-containing repellents, and draining any standing water to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. Additionally, Arlington partners with Tarrant County Public Health to inform the public about these protective measures and mosquito bite prevention.
Authorities have assured that the ground spraying poses no significant risks to animals or the environment and that no special precautions are necessary. However, individuals with chemical sensitivities or certain respiratory conditions may choose to stay indoors during the application period to minimize potential exposure. After the application, the pesticide is expected to dissipate quickly, leaving minimal residual impact.
