Beginning in June 2012 the City of Nacogdoches began a coordinated effort to reduce the mosquito population within the city limits, which in turn helps prevent the transmission of West Nile Virus. Since June the City of Nacogdoches Parks Department sprays each of the city’s five sections, on a weekly basis. This preventive method was designed to reduce the existing mosquito population and prevent outbreaks of diseases such as the West Nile Virus. The spraying is completed in the early morning hours to reduce public inconvenience. The larvacide is applied to areas of standing water located on public property. The application of adulticide (mosquito spraying) is currently taking place five days per week. The greatest emphasis for treatment is placed on day cares, school and athletic complexes due to the high number of individuals in those environments. The larvicide and adulticide that is currently being used requires a handlers license, therefore citizens may not pick up the materials to spray their own residence.
Citizens may also help to combat the mosquito population at their business or residence by eliminating the habitats in which mosquitoes thrive. Experts agree that this is the best way to prevent West Nile Virus, it is also the lowest cost, least toxic, and most effective way to lower your risk of contracting the disease. The City urges everyone to reduce the areas near your home where mosquitoes can breed. Mosquitoes can breed in very small amounts of standing water in as little as five days. The best way to control mosquito habitat is to eliminate all standing water that the mosquitoes need to breed. Because some species of mosquitoes only need a very small amount of water, citizens must be diligent in removing or fixing places where water can collect.
Here are some examples of items that can provide mosquito breeding habitat:
• buckets, toys, and other items in yards;
• untreated swimming pools;
• pet food and water bowls;
• bird baths;
• garbage cans and recycle containers;
• outdoor potted plants with saucers;
• plastic corrugated drainage pipe, even if buried underground;
• fish ponds or other artificial water ponds;
• gutters and downspouts that don’t drain completely;
• beds of pickup trucks.
As always the best way to prevent the transmission of West Nile Virus is to avoid mosquito bites altogether. Be sure to use insect repellent when you go outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk, and be sure to repair or install screens on windows and doors at your home.
