The Richardson Health Department is spraying for mosquitoes in a section of of the city Tuesday and Wednesday after a trap returned mosquitoes that tested positive for carrying West Nile virus.
The spraying will occur from 9 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. both nights, weather permitting.
The area to be sprayed is bound by Apollo Road to the north, Jupiter Road to the west, Buckingham Road to the south and Bowser Road to the east.
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.
