RICHARDSON – The Richardson Health Department plans to spray one area of the city twice this week, on Tuesday, Oct. 29, and Wednesday, Oct. 30, weather permitting. The spraying aims to prevent the spread of West Nile virus after mosquitoes in the area tested positive for the disease.
Spraying will occur in the following area: Arapaho Road south to Spring Valley Road and Cottonwood Creek east to US 75. Events begin after 9 p.m. and end by 5 a.m.. Spraying may be postponed if wind exceeds 10 mph, it rains, or temperatures fall below 50°F.
The Health Department monitors mosquito populations year-round, starting in April. This includes weekly trap collection, regional collaboration, and reducing standing water to limit breeding areas. Targeted neighborhoods are sprayed twice as part of a comprehensive prevention plan initiated in 2013.
Richardson uses EPA-registered pesticides applied via truck-mounted ultra-low volume (ULV) sprayers. The spray creates small airborne droplets that kill adult mosquitoes efficiently, while minimizing pesticide use and protecting the environment. Trucks are GPS-controlled to regulate chemical volume and follow EPA safety standards.
Spraying is part of a broader mosquito control program that includes:
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Continuous monitoring of test results
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Residential pool abatement
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Storm drain treatments
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Use of larvicide and mosquito-eating fish
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Public education campaigns
Health officials stress that spraying reduces exposure risk but does not eliminate mosquitoes completely. Residents are encouraged to take personal precautions outdoors, including wearing insect repellent and minimizing time in areas with standing water.
For more information or to join the mosquito spraying email list, visit www.cor.net/mosquito. The city continues collaborating with neighboring municipalities and health agencies to provide a coordinated, safe response to West Nile virus.
