City of Forney to double mosquito spraying

City Manager Brian Brooks announced during the June 18 City Council meeting that the City of Forney would be doubling their mosquito spraying efforts throughout the city. Currently the city takes three days each month to spray the north side of US Highway 80, the south side of US Highway 80, and the parks, creeks, and off-road areas.

The City of Forney started ground spraying once monthly in April and, according to Brooks, this is their typical schedule to begin spraying. The increased spraying is an effort to combat the significant amount of mosquitoes already visible early in the season. The city will now spray the three designated areas within the city limits twice monthly by ground.

When contacted by inForney.com, Forney Mayor Darren Rozell said, “The health and safety of our citizens is very important. That is why we have doubled our typical spraying schedule to combat the recent mosquito infestation.”

The first case of West Nile this year in North Texas was reported in Tarrant County on June 14, 2013. This particular case of the West Nile virus was the milder flu version of the virus. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, in 2012, there were 89 West Nile fatalities reported, making it the worst year in Texas history for fatalities statewide. In 2011, TDSHS only reported two fatalities caused by WNV.

The spraying will take place overnight between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. A notice from the City of Forney states, “Residents will not want their pets and open windows in the path of the fog machine due to residue and mild odor.” The notice also asks residence to take the following precautions during spraying: bring in pet dishes or cover them; cover ornamental ponds and birdbaths; bring your pets inside for the night; do not go outside during spray time; keep windows and doors closed during spraying; and if you have health problems, such as asthma, take a special precaution as directed by your doctor, if necessary.

Protect yourself and your family against West Nile Virus by following the five D’s:

DRAIN—all areas of standing water including changing water in wading pools and bird bathes every other day, cleaning out gutters, and not allowing water to stagnate in old tires, flowerpots, trash containers, pet bowls, etc..;
DEET—Use insect repellents that contain DEET or are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to provide protection for the amount of time you will be outdoors;
DRESS—Dress in light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants;
DUSK/DAWN—Limit outdoor exposure at dusk and dawn;
DOORS—Keep door and window screens in good repair.

Mosquito spraying schedule:

Friday June 28, 2013, Parks, Off Road & Creeks

Saturday June 29, 2013 North of Hwy 80

Sunday June 30, 2013, South of Hwy 80

Sunday July 14, 2013 Parks, Off Road & Creeks

Monday July 15, 2013 North of Hwy 80

Tuesday July 16, 2013 South of Hwy 80

Sunday July 28, 2013 Parks, Off Road & Creeks

Monday July 29, 2013 North of Hwy 80

Tuesday July 30, 2013 South of Hwy 80

Sunday August 11, 2013 Parks, Off Road & Creeks

Monday August 12, 2013 North of Hwy 80