The City of Arlington is ramping up its efforts to combat the increasing West Nile Virus (WNV) threat by conducting targeted ground spraying. This action comes on the heels of three mosquito samples in the city testing positive for the virus. The targeted areas, according to the City of Arlington, include East Mayfield Road at New York Avenue, Caliente Drive at Commander Court, and Park Hill Drive at Mossy Oak Street.
To tackle the infected mosquito population, spraying is scheduled for two consecutive nights starting at 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., weather permitting, on Tuesday, Sept. 24, and Wednesday, Sept. 25. The City is following guidance from the Arlington Health Authority and others health agencies, assuring that the procedures meet scientific and health standards. However, the spraying strategy is only part of a wider seasonal effort that includes regular trapping and larvicide deployment. Residents wondering about prep for the spray need not worry, as no special preparations or precautions are termed necessary.
As a part of a multi-pronged approach to the situation, the City's contractor will utilize a water-based permethrin product for the spraying. This substance has been selected for its effectiveness in ultra-low volume applications. The initiative builds upon ongoing larvicide use and eliminating potential breeding sites, like standing water, which have seen less than stellar results in controlling the mosquito population.
Residents are also being advised on personal preventive measures. Officials urge the public to wear long sleeves and pants outdoors and use repellents containing DEET. They also recommend draining sources of standing water, such as flowerpots or clogged rain gutters, where mosquitos tend to breed. These steps can help minimize the risk of WNV, which is particularly known to thrive in stagnant water for more than three or four days. For any concerns about mosquito breeding, the City encourages the use of "mosquito dunks," a biological larvicide available in hardware stores.
