Arlington residents are being notified of a mosquito spraying event scheduled to begin Thursday night. Recent surveillance and sampling have yielded positive results for mosquitoes tested for West Nile virus near the Deaver Park area in the 76017 zip code of southwest Arlington.

Weather permitting; the spraying will occur over three consecutive nights Thursday, August 30, Friday, August 31, and Saturday, September 1 between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 4 a.m.

The City will use a low concentration of Envion, a water-based Permethrin in specific areas where larviciding and other measures have not proven effective. Although this product 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 and their feeding 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.

Mosquito surveillance, testing and larvicide application in identified areas of concern in Arlington will continue and residents will be notified of any additional spraying dates as they are scheduled. In accordance with Centers for Disease Control guidelines, which specify mosquito spraying as most effective when it is targeted and strategic in nature, the City will only spray those areas which meet the following criteria:

• An identified cluster of human West Nile Virus cases
• Positive West Nile Virus mosquito sampling
• Concurrent larvacide treatment with limited effectiveness

The City will continue to actively test mosquitoes across the city, monitor results and respond appropriately.

Residents are urged to continue to minimize the risk of West Nile Virus by remaining vigilant on their own property and removing any standing water where mosquitoes might breed.

For more information about West Nile Virus, visit webapps.arlingtontx.gov/tmp/westnile.