West Nile Found In DeSoto, Spraying To Commence

DESOTO, TX — Dallas County Health and Human Services announced Wednesday that it will spray a select area in DeSoto Wednesday and Thursday nights after a mosquito found in a trap tested positive for the West Nile Virus.

All told, the virus was found in trips in the 75225, 75115, 75041, 75205 and 75225 zip codes of Dallas, DeSoto, Garland and University Park.

In DeSoto, a select area surrounding the area where the virus was found will be sprayed Wednesday, Aug. 15 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. and Thursday, Aug. 16 from 9 p.m.to 5 a.m.

Residents are asked to remain inside during the time sprayers are in the area. The area will not be sprayed if wind speeds climb to more than 10 miles-per-hour or if inclement weather occurs.

Residents should use the 4Ds to reduce exposure to mosquitoes:

• DEET All Day, Every Day: Whenever you’re outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA approved repellents and follow instructions.
• Dress: Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside.
• Drain: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace.
• Dusk & Dawn: Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

DCHHS encourages residents in affected areas to be a part of the solution by eliminating insect breeding areas and larvae before mosquitoes reach the airborne stage. Standing water can be treated with EPA-approved larvicides that are available for retail purchase. Larvicides are products used to kill immature mosquitoes before they become adults. Larvicides are applied directly to water sources that hold mosquito eggs, larvae, or pupae. When used well, larvicides can help reduce the overall mosquito burden by limiting the number of mosquitoes that are produced, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. DCHHS has information regarding mosquito prevention on its website.

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