Oak Cliff and West Dallas neighborhoods scheduled for mosquito control sprying

Dallas – Responding to a human case of West Nile disease and several positive mosquito samples of West Nile virus, City of Dallas staff will spray to reduce the numbers of mosquitoes in three areas in Oak Cliff and west Dallas on Thursday night and ending on Friday morning, August 10 and 11, 2006. Spraying will begin after 10:30 p.m. and will conclude prior to 6 a.m.

Control Area 1: The area to be sprayed is bounded by Interstate 35, R.L. Thornton Freeway (south), Ewing Avenue (north), Clarendon Drive (east), Corinth Street, and the Trinity River levee.

Control Area 2: This area is bounded by Interstate 35, R.L. Thornton Freeway (south), Montana Drive, Ewing Avenue, (south), and Saner Avenue.

Control Area 3: This area is bounded by Mexicana Road, Pluto Street, Bernal Drive, Clymer Street, Nomas Street, Iroquois Drive, Gallagher Street, and Ingersoll Street.

While the insecticide is considered safe, residents in the above areas should avoid contact with the spray by staying indoors. Persons inside a vehicle while trucks are actively spraying should remain in their vehicles with the windows up and the air conditioner on until the trucks pass and the spray is no longer visible. Persons out when spraying is to take place should be alert for trucks and should not follow them. If contacted by the spray, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. The spray breaks down quickly in the presence of sunlight and has no residual effect. Fish ponds should also be protected.

Protection against mosquito bites

Dallas residents are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites by reducing outdoor activity during evening and nighttime hours. Residents who are outside during these times should cover their arms and legs and use a mosquito repellant.

Prevent mosquito breeding

Residents should eliminate standing water to prevent mosquito breeding and the spread of West Nile Virus. Breeding places for mosquitoes include swimming pools that are not kept clean, stagnant ponds, pet watering dishes, birdbaths, potted plants, old tires, empty containers, toys and clogged rain gutters. Standing water should be eliminated promptly, as mosquitoes can grow from egg to adult in as little as seven days.

To report standing water or mosquito problems Dallas residents should call 3-1-1. For additional information on Mosquito Control, visit the City’s website at www.dallascityhall.com.