Thursday, March 28, 2024

UPDATE – City of Southlake Responds to Further West Nile Virus Concerns

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:

  • Southlake Community Center, 400 N. White Chapel Boulevard – (Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
  • Public Works Operations, 1950 E. Continental Boulevard

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:

  1. DRAIN standing water in the areas around your property. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used. When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing DEET.
  2.  Use an insect repellent containing DEET (N-diethyl-m-toluamide).
  3. Stay indoors during DUSK and DAWN, as these are the times when mosquitos are most active.
  4. DRESS in long sleeves and pants when you have to be outside. For extra protection, spray your clothes with a thin layer of insect repellent containing DEET. Also, make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

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.

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