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- mosquitoes
Monday, March 20, 2023
It’s summertime and that means it’s also mosquito time. The City’s Office of Emergency Management has your back with their Vector Control Program.
Simply put the Vector Control Program is mosquito testing in Southlake. Every week the Office of Emergency Management sets and tests mosquito traps located throughout the city. To help you better understand the program we present: A Day in the Life of Southlake Vector Control Program.
Few animals on Earth evoke the aggravation that mosquitoes do. Their itchy, irritating bites and bothersome presence can ruin a backyard barbecue or a hike in the woods. They have an uncanny ability to sense our intent, taking flight and disappearing milliseconds before a fatal swat.
The months of April through November are prime months for mosquito breeding and nuisance biting. The City of Southlake Office of Emergency Management and the Tarrant County Health department conduct vector control measures to test for diseased species and conduct ground spraying on public property. With that being said, the best weapon for protection against mosquitoes is personal responsibility.
The American Mosquito Control Association suggests understanding and following the four Ds to help protect yourself from mosquitoes:
So City of Southlake, let’s take on the challenge to fight the bite by taking the necessary steps to help prevent mosquito bites for you and your family. Please contact the Office of Emergency Management at 817-748-8624 or 817-748-8903.
Summertime is approaching and that means outdoor fun for many –going to the lake, enjoying outdoor barbecues, or simply enjoying an evening stroll around Town Square. But summertime also means mosquitoes and the possibility that the West Nile Virus (WNV) could make an unwanted appearance to dampen your summertime plans. So this year, as we do every year, the City of Southlake ask you to “Fight the Bite.”
Preventing the spread of West Nile is a collaborative effort between the City and you, the residents. The City of Southlake, for example, acts proactively to reduce the exposure of West Nile to our residents through the laying out of traps in “hot spot” locations – i.e. those places where cases of WNV have been detected previously – for weekly testing. Should a positive test be recorded, the City will spray the affected area per the mosquito response plan. The use of pesticides are recommended strategically though, as overexposure can lead to pesticide resistance in mosquito populations. “The City limits the use of adulticides – more commonly known as “spraying”—to when we detect an elevated risk, such as detecting the virus in the mosquito population,” says Upton.
In addition to trapping, testing and spraying, the City uses the Center for Disease Control (CDC) integrated pest management system recommendations for proactive management of the mosquito population. Larval control (pest prevention), complaint responses and inspection, and the elimination of conditions that lead to pest infestations are all elements of the City’s proactive strategy.
One of the most important part of the integrated pest management system however, is public participation.
The “Fight the Bite” campaign is one part of public participation. Residents are also encouraged to look for sources of water in both the expected and unexpected places on their property and help eliminate these potential mosquito breeding grounds. In short, if you notice standing water on your property drain the standing water. It’s also important to deny mosquitoes access to potential breeding areas, such as open containers, by simply covering up anything that will collect water following a rainstorm. “What many people don’t realize is that backyards are unintended breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” explains Environmental Coordinator Christi Upton. “Mosquitoes prefer stagnant water and any area that holds a little more than a teaspoon of undisturbed water for a couple of days can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.”
Monitoring your property and eliminating sources of standing water is one part of the equation. We also ask that you protect yourselves and your family from being bitten by wearing insect repellent containing DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants—especially at dusk and dawn. In other words: Follow the “4 Ds”!
With the recent rains, the likelihood of mosquitoes is increasing and that means the potential for West Nile increases as well. The City of Southlake will continue to act proactively, but residents must do their part to help Fight the Bite.
For more information about what Southlake is doing in the area of mosquito surveillance and control, for tips on how you can protect yourself and home, or to report a mosquito problem, visit CityofSouthlake.com/FightTheBite.
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The City of Southlake has been notified that a mosquito sample has tested positive for the West Nile Virus. The sample was taken from a trap at the 1400 block of Byron Nelson Parkway.
“Thank you to the residents of Southlake for your diligence in the continued fight against West Nile Virus,” says Fire Chief Mike Starr. “Though temperatures are cooling, mosquitos will remain active until low temperatures become consistent.”
Starr adds that residents should continue to take caution to protect themselves and their family by draining and treating standing water on their property. Also, to always wear insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors—especially at dusk and dawn.
The City intends to ground spray within a half-mile radius of the affected areas (see map(s) below) tomorrow night (10/23), Friday night (10/24), and Saturday night (10/25)—weather permitting.
For more information on what Southlake is doing in the area of mosquito surveillance and control, please see CityofSouthlake.com/
1400 Block of Byron Nelson Parkway.
The City of Southlake was notified Wednesday (10/8/2014) that three mosquito samples have tested positive for the West Nile Virus. The samples were taken from traps at the 800 block of Shady Lane, the 100 block of Meadowlark Lane, and at the 700 block Ashleigh Lane. A small portion of the Shady Lane spray zone is scheduled to take place in the 76051 zip code in Grapevine.
“We have seen recurring positive samples at these locations,” says Public Works Director Bob Price. “The City is following the West Nile Virus Action Plan to prevent positive samples, but we need the help of residents as well.”
Price adds that those residing outside of the half-mile spray radius should remain cautious, “We have six traps located strategically throughout the City—five that are stationary and one mobile. This means that when we see positive samples at these locations everyone in the area needs to be on alert.”
Price reminds everyone to look for sources of water in both the expected and unexpected places on a weekly basis and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by draining standing water, covering outdoor containers, and treating undrainable areas with larvacide. Also, always wear insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors—especially at dusk and dawn.
The City intends to ground spray within a half-mile radius of the affected areas (see maps below) tomorrow night (10/9), Friday night (10/10), and Saturday night (10/11)—weather permitting.
For more information about the West Nile Virus Action Plan and what Southlake is doing in the area of mosquito surveillance and control, please see CityofSouthlake.com/WestNileVirus.
800 Block of Shady Lane.
100 Block of Meadowlark Lane.
700 Block of Ashleigh Lane.
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The City of Southlake was notified Wednesday (10/1/2014) that one mosquito sample tested positive for the West Nile Virus. The sample was taken from a trap at the 600 block of W. Continental Blvd.
“It will likely be several more weeks before we will see a drop off in positive tests which is why the City is continually monitoring mosquito activity and treating public areas with larvicide,” says Fire Chief Mike Starr. “We want to remind residents their vigilance is vital in the efforts to prevent a human case of West Nile Virus.”
Starr reminds everyone that the City needs your help to combat mosquito breeding on private property by to looking for sources of water in both the expected and unexpected places on a weekly basis and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by draining standing water, covering outdoor containers, and treating stagnant water with larvicide.
The City intends to ground spray within a half-mile radius of the affected areas (see map below) tomorrow night (10/2), Friday night (10/3), and Saturday night (10/4) in accordance with the City’s West Nile Virus Action Plan—weather permitting.
For more information on what Southlake is doing in the area of mosquito surveillance and control, please see CityofSouthlake.com/
Click to enlarge.
Click to enlarge.
The City of Southlake was notified Wednesday (9/10/2014) that three mosquito samples have tested positive for the West Nile Virus. The samples were taken from traps at 2201 Shady Oaks Drive, 870 Shady Lane, and the 700 Block of Ashleigh Lane.
The City intends to ground spray within a half-mile radius of the affected areas (see maps below) for two consecutive nights beginning Friday (9/12/2014)—weather permitting.
“Weather forecasts are predicting thunderstorms through the end of the week, which will aide in flushing existing mosquito larvae,” said Public Works Director Bob Price.
Price adds, “The rain will provide new opportunities for standing water. Following the rain, residents are strongly encouraged to thoroughly inspect their backyards and treat any standing water with larvacide.”
Anything that can hold water for just a few days can become a mosquito breeding ground. Be sure to check your property for standing water. In addition to checking small containers, house gutters and French drains, staff encourages you to check for unexpected areas such as your water meter box, any tree holes, blocked irrigation heads, gutter drains and other underground pipes, pool overflow pipes, storm drains for the presence of standing water.
Residents should always remember to wear insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
For more information on what Southlake is doing in the area of mosquito surveillance and control, please see CityofSouthlake.com/WestNileVirus.
Half mile radius of 870 Shady Lane.
Half mile radius of 2201 Shady Oaks Drive.
Half mile radius of the 700 block of Ashleigh Lane.
The City of Southlake was notified Wednesday (9/3/2014) that three mosquito samples have tested positive for the West Nile Virus. The samples were taken from traps at 2201 Shady Oaks Drive, 870 Shady Lane, and on Southridge Parkway near Peytonville Avenue.
“We are seeing an increase of positive samples in Southlake and throughout parts of Tarrant County; all residents need to take this personally and fight the bite” warns Fire Chief Mike Starr. “The moment you step outside you are at risk and need to be taking the proper precautions by using insect repellent containing DEET—especially during dusk and dawn.”
Starr reminds everyone to look for sources of water in both the expected and unexpected places on a weekly basis and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by draining standing water, covering outdoor containers, and treating undrainable areas with larvacide.
The City intends to ground spray within a half-mile radius of the affected areas (see maps below) tomorrow night (9/4), Friday night (9/5), and Saturday night (9/6) in accordance with the City’s West Nile Virus Action Plan—weather permitting.
For more information on what Southlake is doing in the area of mosquito surveillance and control, please see CityofSouthlake.com/WestNileVirus.
Half mile radius of 870 Shady Ln.
Half mile radius of 2201 Shady Oaks.
Half mile radius of Southridge Lakes.
The City of Southlake has been notified that a mosquito sample tested positive for West Nile Virus. The sample was taken from a trap in the 700 Block of Ashleigh Lane, located in Timarron.
The City will ground spray within a half-mile of the location around where the sample was found (see map below). Ground spraying will take place tomorrow night (8/28), Friday night (8/29) and Saturday night (8/30), after 9 p.m. in accordance with the City’s West Nile Virus Action Plan.
“Many people don’t realize that backyards are unintended breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” explains Public Works Director Bob Price. “Mosquitoes prefer stagnant water and any area that holds a little more than a teaspoon of undisturbed water for a couple of days can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.”
Price reminds everyone to Fight the Bite. Be sure to check your property for standing water. In addition check containers, house gutters and French drains, your water meter box, tree holes, blocked irrigation heads, gutter drains and other underground pipes, pool overflow pipes, storm drains for the presence of standing water. Finally, don’t forget to use insect repellent whenever you are outside where mosquitoes may be present.
For more information on what Southlake is doing in the area of mosquito surveillance and control, visit CityofSouthlake.com/WestNileVirus.
The sample was taken from a trap at 700 Ashleigh Lane, which is located south of Rockenbaugh Elementary School.