The city of Dallas on Monday night started spraying to control mosquitoes in four neighborhoods where testing has confirmed large populations of the unpopular insects but has found no cases of West Nile virus.
More spraying is planned for Tuesday night in an effort to control the spread of the deadly West Nile virus.
In the metro area, only Tarrant County has reported a human case of the disease.
Dallas County's efforts are aimed at limiting the mosquito population, which can carry the virus.
"What we see with this type of mosquito that's a carrier is, we see a fairly dramatic rise as it gets hotter in late June and July," Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said.
In a Pleasant Grove neighborhood that was set to be sprayed Monday night, joggers such as Joshua Anderson wear long pants to avoid mosquito bites.
"God gave them wings so they can fly," Anderson said. "If they were crawling, they'd be a little better, but they can fly. They suck your blood and stuff; I don't like that."
The lack of new cases is surprising, experts said, especially considering that confirmed cases started in May last year.
Jenkins said he thinks it's "due to the vigilance not only of government but also our citizens and being much more proactive this year."
The following locations will be sprayed beginning at 10 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday:
- Between McLean Avenue, Brandon Street, S. Westmoreland Road and Glenhaven Boulevard.
- Between Grove Oaks Boulevard, Masters Drive, Old Seagoville Road, September Lane and Apache Drive.
- Between Lewiston Avenue, Scyene Road, Masters Drive, Noweta Avenue and Koonce Avenue.
- Between Hillcrest Road, Churchill Way, Pecan Forest Drive, Lake Edge Drive and Stone Meadow Drive.
- Between Edgemere Road, Northport Drive, Hillcrest Road and Norway Road.
- Between Preston Road, Northhaven Road, Tibbs Street and Azalea Lane.
- Between Edgecrest Drive, Preston Ridge Trail, Coit Road and Spring Valley Road.
- Between Hoblitzelle Drive, Town Street, Oberlin Drive and Granis Street.
