Mosquito activity increases after the big storms

Published on September 02, 2022

The 2022 mosquito season is drawing to a close with a dramatic finale after the recent downpours.

The Code Compliance Department has been monitoring mosquito populations and the risk of West Nile virus all summer, with few mosquitoes caught in the 60-plus traps set weekly.

Mosquito surveillance is a significant prevention tool used by the City to collect and identify mosquitoes and test them for diseases such as West Nile virus. Surveillance and testing activities occur weekly from May through the end of October.

Prevention is the absolute key to help control mosquitoes that spread viruses. Adult mosquitoes live inside and outside, and they can bite during daytime and evening hours. Even a few infected mosquitoes can produce large outbreaks in a community.

Protect yourself, your family and community

• Dump standing water in and around your home by emptying and scrubbing all outdoor containers like pools, toys, planters, birdbaths and trash containers.
• Tightly cover water storage containers like buckets, cisterns and rain barrels so mosquitoes can’t get inside to lay eggs.
• Clean out gutters to avoid standing water. Examine them for damage that could cause water to collect.
• Inspect your yard after every rain. Watch for puddles where condensation gathers from the air conditioning unit.
• Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens.
• Apply insect repellent any time you’re outside. Choose a repellent with one of these active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon/eucalyptus or other EPA-approved repellent.

To learn more, contact the City’s customer service call center at 817-392-1234 or go online.

Photo: Following record rainfall in August, mosquito activity could be picking up.

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