The flood waters have brought even more mosquito dangers…the amount of mosquitoes has increased with our wet spring…The City has issued the following info to help fight the skeeters…
FROM THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS:
With large amounts of water from heavy rains still evident in the Wichita Falls area, the Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District is now dealing with large populations of mosquitoes that use this water to breed in. The Health District’s Environmental Division vector control team is working hard to control the insects by spraying for adult mosquitoes in neighborhoods and applying larvicide to areas of standing water that serve as breeding grounds.
Due to high demand, the Environmental Division is completely out of larvacidal granules for the public to use. The Health District has ordered more of the granules. If anyone has an urgent need for the granules the larvicide can be purchased at any local home and garden store or nursery.
The citizens of Wichita Falls and Wichita County can help the Health District cut down on the mosquito population by draining standing water that mosquitoes like to breed in. Draining such things as old tires, flowerpots, uncovered rain barrels, and clogged rain gutters will help limit mosquito breeding.
Additionally, citizens can protect themselves from mosquitoes by following these precautions:
· –Stay indoors. Dusk and dawn are the times of day when mosquitoes are most active, so avoiding outdoor activities during these times will lessen the likelihood of being bit.
· –Dress in long sleeves and pants when outside. For extra protection, you may want to spray thin clothing with repellent.
· –Wear insect repellent that contains DEET. Always wear repellant when outdoors. Please follow instructions on the product label.
The Health District’s vector control team will carry on its integrated pest management program for mosquito control this spring and summer by continuing to treat standing water, eliminate breeding areas, and spray for adult mosquitoes. For questions please call 761-7800.
