West Nile Virus
The City of Azle is an active member of a West Nile Virus Mosquito Surveillance and Response Program involving Tarrant County and other cities to provide a more comprehensive mosquito surveillance program. Azle began trapping mosquitoes in May and will continue trapping until mosquito activity decreases. If you have concerns or would like for the city to set a trap and test mosquitoes on your property, please call (817) 444-7127.
Preventive Measures
- Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. The more DEET a repellent contains the longer time it can protect you from mosquito bites. A higher percentage of DEET in a repellent does not mean your protection is better—just it will last longer. DEET concentrations higher than 50% do not increase the length of protection. Choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of time you will be outdoors.
- Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children.
- Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the product.
- For detailed information about using repellents, see the Pesticide Fact Sheet below.
- Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Do not apply repellents containing permethrin directly to exposed skin. If you spray your clothing, there is no need to spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing.
- When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
- Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors with infants.
- Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito biting times.
- Install or repair window and door screens so mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
Mosquito Control
Help reduce the number of mosquitoes in areas outdoors where you work or play by draining sources of standing water, thus reducing the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.
- At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans.
- Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
- Remove discarded tires, and other items that could collect water.
- Be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.
- Keeping your grass mowed will also help with mosquito control as adult mosquitoes use tall grass and weeds to protect them from the heat of the day.
- The City offers a product for mosquito control called Altosid. This is a briquet that contains methoprene - an insect growth regulator that stops mosquitoes from becoming breeding, biting adults. The briquet cost $1 and is placed in standing water, abandoned pools, creeks or ponds and can be purchased at the BJ Clark Annex Building located at 603 SE Parkway.
If you find a dead bird and are concerned it may carry the West Nile Virus, please contact Tarrant County Health Department at 817-321-4700.
Additional Information
For additional information regarding West Nile Virus or mosquito control, please visit these web sites:
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