On Sunday, August 19^th the City of Arlington will initiate Adult Mosquito Control measures which include targeted spraying in a number of areas throughout the city. Residents will be notified within 48 hours of any ground spraying event in their neighborhood.

In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control's guidelines, which specify mosquito spraying as most effective when it is targeted and strategic in nature, the City will 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

"It has been a progressive approach, "said Arlington Fire Chief Don Crowson. "The City has been actively testing mosquitoes for a number of weeks and monitoring the results. We've been watching trends and reacting accordingly and now we are at the point where targeted spraying in some places is the best option."

This targeted spraying effort is part of the City's WNV response plan which includes:

• Public education as to how citizen's can protect themselves through preventative efforts.
• Public notification of WNV cases in identified areas
• Trapping and testing of mosquitoes for WNV in areas of concern along with the application of larvacide where mosquito larva are present
• Follow up testing of identified areas of concern to determine control measure progress
• Targeted spraying and larvacide application in areas not sufficiently responding to larvacide application alone.

Weather permitting; the spraying will occur over three consecutive nights Sunday, August 19^th, Monday, August 20^th, Tuesday, August 21^st between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 4 a.m.

The City has been actively testing mosquitoes for a number of weeks and monitoring those results. It has been determined that targeted spraying in the following neighborhoods is the best option:

• Jake Langston Park Spraying Area (pdf)
• Airport Spraying Area (pdf)
• Doug Russell Park Spraying Area (pdf)

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, 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.

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. 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.

"We're working to limit potential impacts of mosquito spraying on beneficial insects, fish, pets, and of course, anyone who might be sensitive to the mosquito control agent," said Crowson. "We're moving forward in a focused and targeted manner to apply the agent where it is needed and we'd like it to keep it that way."

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