The Parks Department, weather permitting will conduct mosquito ground spraying on the east side of town beginning at 10:00 p.m. on April 13, 2017.
The Town of Highland Park Parks Department and Dallas County Health and Human Services monitors several mosquito traps within the town limits. Mosquito samples from each trap are tested on a weekly basis for: 1) total number of adult mosquitoes in each trap; and 2) the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV). No mosquito samples tested positive for WNV; however, the total number of mosquitoes in the traps on the east side of town were found to be above the treatable threshold as established by the Town’s Mosquito Control Policy. This weekend, the Parks Department will conduct ground spraying measures on the east side of town to reduce the density of adult mosquito populations. The Town’s decision to use adulticide is based on the Centers for Disease Control’s recommendations that surveillance data, when combined with established thresholds, indicates a necessity to reduce the density of adult mosquito populations quickly to lower the risk of WNV.
Weather permitting, ground spraying will begin at 10:00 p.m. and conclude by 5:00 a.m. on the east side of town only (Preston Road east to the Town limits. Areas C and D on the
attached map)
Ground spraying measures will include the public rights-of-way and Town’s tennis courts. In the event of rain or wind speeds in excess of 10 m.p.h., the spraying will be rescheduled. Highland Park residents should remain inside and protect pets during the time the sprayers are in your area. Any pet water dishes left outside should be cleaned after spraying.
The recent rainfall highlights the importance for individuals to survey their yard for any areas with standing water, such as flower pot basins, bird baths and pet dishes. Shrubbery and landscaping near the foundation tend to harbor mosquitoes during the day due to the cool, moist environment. Mosquitoes are known to be most active in the dawn and dusk periods of the day. The use of insect repellant is recommended. Follow manufacturer’s directions when using mosquito repellant. Commercial products for yard applications are available at local home improvement stores. Mosquito dunks are available at no cost at Town Hall.
Town personnel are available for free home inspections of your yard to identify potential areas of mosquito breeding grounds. Residents may call 214-521-4161 to arrange a free inspection of their property. Website link for additional information –
www.hptx.org/MosquitoControl