Arlington to Conduct WNV Targeted Ground Spraying Labor Day Weekend
By Office of Communication
Posted on August 30, 2013, August 30, 2013

The City of Arlington has detected positive mosquito samples for West Nile Virus (WNV) in two traps located near S. Collins Street and S.E. Green Oaks Boulevard and one trap near W. Lamar Boulevard and Mossy Oak Street. This action plan is in line with recommendations from the COA Health Authority, Tarrant County Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, residents are urged to wear DEET during outdoor activities and take preventative measures in contracting WNV this holiday weekend.

articles_westnile_081513_02Contractors will conduct targeted ground spraying on Sunday and Monday night, from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., weather permitting. The City will use an ultra-low volume application of Permanone RTU, an oil-based Permethrin, in specific areas where larviciding and other measures have not proven effective.

Employees and contractors have conducted routine trapping at 21 locations and larviciding at 113 locations throughout the City since the beginning of the season. To date, the City has addressed more than 89 complaints regarding WNV at pools and known vacant homes. For months, crews have also surveyed low lying areas for standing water.

Residents are urged to wear DEET during outdoor activities and take preventative measures in contracting WNV this holiday weekend. Although the targeted ground spraying poses no significant health risk, please observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of reactions:

  • Whenever possible, stay indoors during spraying.
  • Some individuals are sensitive to pesticides. Persons with asthma or other respiratory conditions are encouraged to stay inside during spraying since there is a possibility that spraying could worsen these conditions.
  • Air conditioners may remain on. But if you wish to reduce the possibility of indoor exposure to pesticides, set the air conditioner vent to the closed position, or choose the recirculate function.
  • Remove children's toys, outdoor equipment and clothes from outdoor areas during spraying. If these items are exposed to pesticides, wash with soap and water before using again.
  • Remove pets, along with their food and water bowls, from outdoor areas during spraying.
  • Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water.
  • Always wash your produce thoroughly before cooking or eating.
  • Anyone experiencing adverse reactions to pesticides should seek medical care or call 9-1-1.

For more information on the City's ongoing efforts concerning West Nile Virus please visit webapps.arlingtontx.gov/tmp/westnile.

View a map of Arlington Targeted Ground Spraying Area in SE Arlington

View a map of Arlington Targeted Ground Spraying Area in NW Arlington

West Nile Virus 2013
News, Public Health