Two collections of mosquito samples in Denton have tested positive for West Nile virus, bumping the city's mosquito risk level to four.
Mosquito traps located on Texas Street tested positive for West Nile virus, the second sample to do so.
Ken Banks, city director of environmental services, residents should be aware that the city's Mosquito Survey and Response Plan is now at Risk Level 4. A mild winter and wet spring created ideal conditions for mosquitoes.
"It is just very early this year," he said. "We typically aren't going to see a situation like this until at least the latter part of June, the early part of July."
Banks said people who live around areas where West Nile virus was detected can do things to protect themselves.
"Use repellent, dress appropriately," he said. "The mosquito that is most active is going to be dawn and dusk. Look around your home and try to find any areas that might have water."
Shirley Gothard, who lives a few blocks away from where mosquito samples tested positive, said her backyard has plenty of places where mosquitoes could live, such as a tire full of standing water.
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She said she is worried about because her grandchildren often come over to play in her backyard.
Denton residents can pick up free BTI briquettes at the Denton Water Utilities Department. The briquettes will help kill mosquito larvae.
