Council Votes to Approve Aerial Spraying in Southlake

After a three hour meeting and a 6-1 vote, the City of Southlake voted to participate in the Denton County aerial mosquito spraying program.   Although geographically, much of Southlake is in Tarrant County, a small, northern portion is located in Denton County making the entire City eligible for spraying.

According to Denton County, depending on the weather, aerial spraying is scheduled to take place in the participating cities Thursday and Friday night,  from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

“We are committed to keeping the citizens of Southlake well informed about the upcoming spraying event,” said Bob Price, Southlake’s Director of Public Works.  “In the next 48 hours city staff will push out multiple messages about aerial spraying times and dates as it becomes available.  We want to make sure people are informed.”
On August 22^nd, Denton County Judge Mary Horn declared a West Nile Virus Health Emergency and requested assistance from the state in the form of aerial spraying.   Since that time, more than half a dozen Denton County cities have agreed to participate.

Since early this summer the City of Southlake has been working with Tarrant County in a mosquito larvae monitoring program.  The program’s focus is to test for larvae that are West Nile positive.   Since testing began in May, Southlake has produced multiple larvae samples.  On July 24^th, the first human case of West Nile was reported, with the latest case being reported on August 24^th.

“Spraying is just part of the strategy to combat the West Nile Virus, said Price.  “As Mayor John Terrell noted at Monday’s meeting, the spraying does not alleviate personal responsibility, it’s not going to get every mosquito.  Everyone needs to follow the 4Ds, make them a part of our routine to protect themselves against the West Nile Virus.”

For more information about West Nile Virus and aerial spraying, please go to www.CityofSouthlake.com/WestNileVirus.