The Garland Health Department is conducting weekly surveillance for mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus and Zika Virus.
To aid in the eradication effort, a new piece of equipment is being introduced by the Health Department to help reduce mosquito populations. The Buffalo Turbine, a truck-mounted larvicide unit, will be used on limited occasions to help control mosquitoes where trap counts are continuously high. This larvicide unit differs from the historical use of the typical “mosquito spray” truck in that it can be used during the day, it disperses larvicide instead of adulticide, and the larvicide is biological and not chemical. Learn more about the Buffalo Turbine here.
In addition to the city’s mosquito eradication efforts, it’s important to remember to protect yourself as a first step to the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases.
Tips to Fight the Bite:
- DRAIN standing water around the house, including tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, toys, and puddles. It’s where mosquitoes lay eggs.
- DUSK & DAWN are when mosquitoes are most active, so limit outdoor activities or take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
- DEET – All day, every day. Whenever you are outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA-approved repellents and follow label instructions.
- DRESS in long, loose, and light-colored clothing when outside.
West Nile Virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected Culex species mosquito.
Common symptoms include high fever, severe headache and stiff neck. Contact your health care provider immediately if you are concerned you have West Nile Virus.
Zika Virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. If you have travelled to a country or areas of the U.S. within the past 28 days with active Zika transmission, are exhibiting symptoms or are pregnant, please contact your health care provider immediately.
To report standing water issues, stagnant swimming pools, high mosquito activity or dead birds, call the Garland Health Department Mosquito Hotline at 972-205-3720 or submit information through the Garland eAssist app.
Click here to visit the city of Garland Health Department’s mosquito information page.
Click here to learn more about Garland eAssist.
Information provided by city of Garland.