The Dallas County Health and Human Services Department will spray for mosquitoes in Balch Springs this week after more mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus.
The spraying will be done Tuesday, June 16 and Wednesday, June 17, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., weather permitting. A detailed map of the spray area can be viewed at http://www.dallas.leateamapps.com/PublicMap/
The DCHHS said residents should remain inside during the time sprayers are in the area. Spraying will not be conducted in the event of wind speeds more than 10 mph or inclement weather.
"Right now, even though we still need to be concentrating on how to live safely with COVID-19, we cannot forget about West Nile virus. As the summer heats up and more people are getting outside, remember the four D's: Dress, Drain, Dusk/Dawn, and DEET", said Dr. Philip Huang, Director of DCHHS.
How to Protect Yourself From Mosquito Bites
- Dress in long sleeves, pants when outside: For extra protection, spray thin clothing with repellent.
- DEET: Make sure this ingredient is in your insect repellent.
- Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood: Mosquitoes can develop in any water stagnant for more than three days.
It has been recommended in the past that to avoid mosquito bites you should avoid being outdoors during Dusk and Dawn (the 4 Ds). While this is true for mosquitoes that commonly carry the West Nile virus, other types of mosquitoes that are more likely to carry Zika, dengue and chikungunya are active during the day. When outdoors, no matter what time of day, adjust your dress accordingly and wear insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus as your first line of defense against insect bites
