West Nile virus has turned up in mosquitoes trapped in Mesquite’s 75149 ZIP code, and the city is sending in the spray trucks after dark. The Dallas County Mosquito Lab alerted Mesquite health officials that local samples tested positive, prompting targeted overnight treatments aimed at knocking down mosquito populations. Spraying is set to begin after 10 p.m., weather permitting, and residents are being urged to cut back on outdoor time at dawn and dusk and stick to standard bite-prevention habits.
Where and when crews will spray
Spray trucks will work neighborhoods along both sides of Military Parkway, from Masters and Sam Houston, between Scyene and the railroad tracks within the 75149 boundary. Crews are expected to roll out after 10 p.m., and spray maps were attached to the official advisory, according to the City of Mesquite.
County data shows positive traps in Mesquite
Dallas County Health and Human Services’ West Nile Watch lists 16 mosquito traps testing positive for ZIP code 75149 this season, and the county notes that positive mosquito samples routinely trigger targeted adulticiding and public alerts. That tracking data helps coordinate local responses and rank which areas should be treated first, according to Dallas County Health and Human Services.
How to protect yourself and pets
City officials are repeating the familiar “4 Ds”: DRAIN standing water, DRESS in long sleeves and long pants, use DEET or another EPA-approved repellent, and stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. The advisory also asks residents to bring pets inside while spraying is underway and to check the posted spray maps for exact treatment boundaries, according to the City of Mesquite.
What to expect during overnight treatment
Spraying is scheduled overnight to catch mosquitoes during peak activity and reduce contact with people. Operations will be postponed if there are high winds or rain. County health notices add that people in vehicles should keep windows closed and use the air conditioner while trucks pass, and anyone who comes into direct contact with the spray should wash the area with soap and water, according to Dallas County Health and Human Services.
Maps and reporting
Residents can find spray maps and the full city advisory through the City’s post and its “Notify Me” messages, which include links to maps and instructions for reporting standing water. Those online notices regularly provide contact details and step-by-step guidance for requesting inspections or signing up for neighborhood alerts, according to the City of Mesquite.
Regional context
State monitoring shows West Nile virus activity in multiple parts of Texas this season. The Texas Department of State Health Services’ weekly arbovirus reports list mosquito-positive pools and give health officials a wider view of where the virus is turning up. That statewide snapshot helps local health departments and cities fine-tune their response plans, per DSHS.
