Tarrant County Public Health has notified city staff that two mosquito samples from within the city limits have tested positive for West Nile Virus. The city’s first positive tests of the year, the samples were taken from the traps located at 151 W. Bear Creek Pkwy. and 7000 Shady Grove Road.
As a reminder, the Tarrant County Health Department released new guidance this year regarding how often cities should be spraying for mosquitoes following a positive West Nile Virus test, in response to concerns that the local mosquito population may be adapting to the insecticides used against them.
Residents will now see mosquito spraying within a half-mile of a trap only if the mosquitoes collected from that trap test positive for West Nile for three consecutive weeks, or if a human case of West Nile Virus is reported in the vicinity.
If you haven’t already been taking steps to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes, now is the time!
- Drain standing water on your property and throughout your neighborhood
- Dusk and Dawn are great times of day to stay indoors!
- Dress in long sleeves and pants when possible, and consider spraying your clothing with insect repellent.
- DEET-based insect repellent is among the most effective in helping you avoid bites. Be sure to use it as directed!
