Woman spraying mosquito insect repellent. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Let this be your annual reminder to protect yourself from mosquitoes when you’re outdoors.
Mosquito samples in our city have tested positive for West Nile Virus, and as such, areas of town are being sprayed, starting last month.
Specifically for our neighborhood, spraying will commence (weather permitting) from 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. each night from Wednesday, July 9 to Thursday, July 10 in the 7000 block of Lindsley Avenue between Clayton Avenue on the north, Covington Lane on the west, East Grand Avenue on the east and Cameron Avenue on the south, according to a City of Dallas press release. Spraying also occurred earlier this week in the 8300 block of Hunnicut Road in the White Rock Hills neighborhood.
If you are living in a neighborhood that’s being sprayed, avoid contact with the insecticide by staying indoors at this time or in your vehicle with the windows up and air conditioner on, according to the press release. If you’re out and about and see the spraying trucks, don’t follow them, and if the spray hits you, wash it off with soap and water.
Eliminating standing water can also help ward off mosquitoes, which “can breed in as little as a tablespoon of water,” according to Texas Department of State Health Services’ website. As individuals, we can wear insect repellent with DEET as well as long sleeves and pants to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes. You can also keep them out of your home by closing doors and windows or installing screens.
You can find more tips at the City of Dallas’ website. To report standing water or to be added to the Do Not Spray list, contact 311.
