West Nile Virus – Mosquito Control
West Nile Virus
It’s that time of year so the City of Pelican Bay would like to share some helpful tips.
Preventive Measures
Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. The more DEET a repellent contains the longer time it can protect you from mosquito bites. A higher percentage of DEET in a repellent does not mean your protection is better—just it will last longer. DEET concentrations higher than 50% do not increase the length of protection. Choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of time you will be outdoors.
- Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children.
- Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the product.
- For detailed information about using repellents, see the Pesticide Fact Sheet below.
- Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Do not apply repellents containing permethrin directly to exposed skin. If you spray your clothing, there is no need to spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing.
- When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
- Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors with infants.
- Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito biting times.
- Install or repair window and door screens so mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
Mosquito Control
Help reduce the number of mosquitoes in areas outdoors where you work or play by draining sources of standing water, thus reducing the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.
- At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans.
- Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
- Remove discarded tires, and other items that could collect water.
- Be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.
- Keeping your grass mowed will also help with mosquito control as adult mosquitoes use tall grass and weeds to protect them from the heat of the day.
Our neighbor, The City of Azle has a Mosquito Control and Prevention Program with some good information.
Mosquito Control and Prevention
If you find a dead bird and are concerned it may carry the West Nile Virus, please contact Tarrant County Health Department at 817-321-4700.
Additional Information
For additional information regarding West Nile Virus, Zika or mosquito control, please visit these web sites: