The City of Greenville began spraying for mosquitoes Tuesday night — and intends to continue this morning, tonight and twice Thursday — after mosquitoes trapped within the city limits tested positive for the West Nile virus.
Information released Tuesday from the City of Greenville:
Municipal Mosquito, the company contracted by the City of Greenville to trap and test mosquitoes throughout Greenville, has informed City officials mosquitoes trapped this week in the Warren Park and Ridgecrest areas tested positive for West Nile Virus.
The City will spray several areas for mosquito control and prevention at dusk (about 7:30 p.m.) tonight and at dawn (about 5–7 a.m.) and dusk the following two days, Tuesday, June 30, 2015, tomorrow, Wednesday, July 1, 2015, and Thursday, July 2, 2015.
Residents should remain indoors during the spraying. If people are outside while an area is being sprayed, the operators are required to shut down the foggers.
Areas to be sprayed include both areas in which positive mosquitoes were trapped. The areas in and around the Greenville SportsPark will also be sprayed. The map below shows the general areas being sprayed, minus the SportsPark. Areas surrounding the SportsPark will not be sprayed until after 10 p.m. when the facilities should be closed.
These are the first positive tests for WNV this year, despite the increased rainfall and moisture levels. The City will be testing throughout the summer and after, if conditions warrant. The best methods for prevention and control of the mosquito population rest with individuals. The City encourages residents to take steps to prevent mosquitoes in and around their homes.
The most successful way to prevent mosquitoes is to eliminate places where the insects breed:
— Eliminate standing water around homes, apartments and businesses. — Keep lawns mowed since mosquitoes are likely to be found in high grass and weeds.
— Keep gutters free of leaves and debris to eliminate this as a breeding site.
— Empty water dishes, bird baths, wading pools, buckets and flower pots that hold water.
— Maintain swimming pools so water does not become stagnant and attract mosquitoes.
Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes by remembering the Four Ds:
— DRAIN standing water around your home, apartment or business.
— DUSK–DAWN are peak mosquito hours, stay indoors during these times when possible.
— DRESS in long sleeves and pants when outside. Spray clothing with insect repellent.
— DEET: Use insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
If you notice mosquitoes in your area, make sure to eliminate places where mosquitoes breed. If you still see a few insects, apply insecticide or larvicide briquettes (mosquito dunks) made especially for mosquito control. These are available from local garden, hardware, and home improvement stores, as well as many other retail outlets. For information, resources and tips on mosquito control visit: www.ci.greenville.tx.us/FightTheBite.