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Mosquito Information
The City of Longview Environmental Health Department has had a mosquito adulticide spray program for a number of years. Currently, an area spraying program has been put into effect in response to the concern of the West Nile Virus being found in the community. The City has been sectioned off in to 10 spray areas where each day, two sectors will be sprayed during the typical hours of operation of 7:30 - 11 p.m. and 4 - 6 a.m., weather permitting. Spraying cannot be done during periods of 10+ m.p.h. winds or during rainfalls.
The City of Longview uses a water based mosquito adulticide spray. This formulation has very low odor, does not create a "fog" (in fact, it can be hard to see), is easier for the applicators to handle, and has been found to be more effective during testing. Lastly, our spray units are quieter than in past years, and sound about like a large lawn mower.
Vector control technicians will also continue normal abatement activities, such as identifying breeding sites, applying pesticides to standing water that have mosquito larvae, trapping mosquitoes for testing and identification, and answering citizen concerns.
In addition to the Health Department's effort, each citizen can do its part to help minimize
mosquito activity in its area.
Tips to avoid mosquito bites include the four D's:
Other tips to avoid mosquito problems:
To control mosquitoes inside your house, use a "flying insect spray" labeled for mosquitoes. Be sure to use according to directions on the label.
Anyone who would like to report standing water or those who have other questions concerning West Nile virus can contact the City of Longview Environmental Health Department.
The City of Longview uses a water based mosquito adulticide spray. This formulation has very low odor, does not create a "fog" (in fact, it can be hard to see), is easier for the applicators to handle, and has been found to be more effective during testing. Lastly, our spray units are quieter than in past years, and sound about like a large lawn mower.
Vector control technicians will also continue normal abatement activities, such as identifying breeding sites, applying pesticides to standing water that have mosquito larvae, trapping mosquitoes for testing and identification, and answering citizen concerns.
In addition to the Health Department's effort, each citizen can do its part to help minimize
mosquito activity in its area.
Tips to avoid mosquito bites include the four D's:
- Dusk to Dawn - Minimize outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active, particularly between the hours of dusk and dawn.
- Dress - Dress in pants and long sleeves of a light color when outside, especially in mosquito-infested areas.
- DEET - The application of mosquito repellent is effective but should be conducted in compliance with the label directions. This is especially true for children. Repellent should contain DEET (N, N diethylmtoulamide) 30% for adults and 10% or less for children.
- Drain - Check your property for containers that hold water, including rain gutters, tin cans, used tires, and trash cans.
Other tips to avoid mosquito problems:
- Minimize outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active, particularly at dawn and dusk.
- The application of mosquito repellent is effective but should be conducted in compliance with the label directions. This is especially true for children. Repellent should contain DEET (N, N diethylmtoulamide) 30% for adults and 10% or less for children. Check your property for containers that hold water, including rain gutters, tin cans, used tires, and trash cans.
- Maintain the circulation equipment in good running order for swimming pools. Empty, invert or cover children's swimming pools when not in use. Change water frequently in birdbaths, fountains, or drain them. Ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and are free of holes.
- Keep unscreened doors and windows closed. Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets to eliminate standing water on the ground. Keep lawn clippings out of storm drains, waterfilled low spots, and creeks.
- Decaying grass in still water creates ideal mosquito breeding sites.
To control mosquitoes inside your house, use a "flying insect spray" labeled for mosquitoes. Be sure to use according to directions on the label.
Anyone who would like to report standing water or those who have other questions concerning West Nile virus can contact the City of Longview Environmental Health Department.