UPDATE – 7/11/2012 A second mosquito sample has tested positive for the West Nile Virus. The sample was taken last week near the intersection of Crescent and Woodland Drive, about 1/2 mile from the edge of Bob Jones Park. The City will treat the area with larvicide and then monitor it for the next several weeks.
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On Wednesday, June 27, the City of Southlake was informed by Tarrant County’s Public Health Department lab that a mosquito sample taken by the City in the Monticello neighborhood of Southlake tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV). The mosquito sample was sent to Tarrant County’s Public Health Department lab for testing on Friday, June 22.
The area where the positive sample was identified has been treated with a mosquito larvicide. City staff will continue to monitor the area that tested positive, and work with Tarrant County’s Public Health Department to test samples from other areas in the City. In addition, the City will proactively seek to eliminate standing water on public property and treat any areas where standing water has accumulated.
Biological mosquito larvicide will be available to residents on a first come, first serve basis. The biological larvicide kills mosquito larvae on the surface of standing water for a period of 30 days. “The larvicide is an effective and environmentally friendly treatment method that won’t affect fish, plants, people or wildlife in the surrounding areas,” stated Southlake’s Environmental Coordinator Christi Upton.
The larvicide is limited to 1 per household and will be available at the following locations:
Larvicide is also available at local home improvement stores.
“Although very few mosquitoes actually carry the virus, there are several steps that Southlake residents can take to eliminate mosquito-breeding grounds and minimize their exposure to mosquitoes,” stated Emergency Management Coordinator Kyle Taylor. “The easiest and best way to avoid West Nile Virus is to follow the 4 D’s.”
The Four D’s are:
If you would like additional information regarding West Nile Virus, please visit the City’s West Nile Virus webpage. If you see a mosquito problem in a public space, you can report it by using the City’s “Come Fix This!” this form.