Health
Township reminds residents to protect against mosquitoes
THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed the first West Nile virus positive mosquito of the season in The Woodlands, located in the Village of Panther Creek.
The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department, in coordination with the Department of State Health Services, identified the positive mosquito sample. Montgomery County treated the affected area on Saturday, June 6, 2020 with a second round of treatment scheduled for Monday, June 8, 2020. All treatments take place between 8:30 p.m. on the scheduled date and 7:00 a.m. the following morning.
Residents can check the Montgomery County treatment activity map (https://www.precinct3.org/mosquito-abatement/) to learn if and when spraying will occur in their neighborhood. Creekside Park residents can view the Harris County activity map at https://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/Services-Programs/All-Services/Mosquito-Control-Services.
John Geiger, The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Manager, said “The Township’s mosquito surveillance and education staff work diligently to reduce mosquito breeding and combat arbovirus in our community. Residents can play a major role in this effort by eliminating areas of standing water on their property.”
According to Mr. Geiger, mosquitoes produce a new generation in as little as one week.
“Eliminating standing water from tarps, plant saucers, gutters and other items that hold water is an important first step to reducing the risk,” he said. “Items that hold water continuously, such as French drains and bird baths can be treated safely and effectively with Mosquito Dunks®, available at hardware and home improvement stores.
Township mosquito surveillance and education staff inspect and treat potential breeding sites in the affected area and inform residents of their findings via door hangers.
“We encourage our residents to call us if they have questions or need assistance in locating mosquito breeding sites on their property,” Mr. Geiger said. The telephone number is 281.210.3800.
Mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active at dawn and dusk. Residents are encouraged to take protective measures, such as wearing long, loose, light-colored clothing and applying insect repellent. The Centers for Disease Control recommends repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon-eucalyptus.
Find additional mosquito abatement resources at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/mosquitoinfo. For more information, to report a problem area or to request surveillance, please email enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov and for education staff to inspect and treat potential breeding sites in affected areas, using mosquito traps and other equipment. Residents needing assistance can call The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800 with questions about mosquitoes.
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