Aerial Spraying in Irving, TX
There are many people in Irving, TX area that are concerned about the potential harmful effects of aerial spraying in Irving, TX to control mosquitos. Fortunately, the Texas Department of State Health Services is providing guidance. DSHS is putting together resources, like airplanes, chemical spray and crews. They will be available to fulfill requests from Irving, TX officials for aerial spraying to help stop the spread of West Nile virus.
Irving, TX officials are deliberating this week on whether or not spraying is the best option. State health officials are working closely with the Irving, TX area public health and emergency management officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the extremely high number of human cases of the disease in Dallas County.
"The disease poses an immediate public health threat to Dallas County. We need to use all possible tools, including Aerial Spraying in Irving, TX, to fight this outbreak," said Dr. David Lakey, DSHS commissioner. "We will support the decisions made by local officials as we work together to confront this situation. We are on standby to respond to their requests for Aerial Spraying in Irving, TX or other assistance."
Officials say that Aerial Spraying in Irving, TX is very effective in killing adult mosquitoes in large, densely populated areas. For people concerned about exposure during Aerial Spraying in Irving, TX, health officials suggest the following precautions:
- Minimize exposure. Avoid being outside, close windows and consider keeping pets inside while spraying occurs.
- If skin or clothes are exposed, wash them with soap and water.
- Rinse homegrown fruits and vegetables with water as a general precautionary measure.
- Cover small ornamental fish ponds.
- Because the chemical breaks down quickly in sunlight and water, no special precautions are suggested for outdoor swimming areas.
DSHS contracts with Clarke, a private environmental products and services company, for aerial application of mosquito control products. The product is called Duet, which is labeled and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use in outdoor and residential areas. The active ingredients are in the same chemical family as products currently being used for ground spraying in the Irving, TX area. The product would be applied at very low dosages – less than an ounce per acre – by small, twin-engine aircrafts flying at approximately 300 feet above ground overnight.
Texas has more than 380 state-confirmed cases of West Nile Virus illness for 2012, including 16 related deaths. Texas is on track to have the most cases of West Nile Virus illness since the disease first emerged in the state in 2002. Humans can contract West Nile virus from a mosquito bite. The West Nile Virus can cause serious illness or death.
Irving, TX Public health officials continue to urge people to protect themselves by using insect repellent every time they go outside, drain standing water outside the home, wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active and use air conditioning or make sure there are screens on all windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
Pat O'Reilly
RE/MAX DFW Associates II
1800 Market Place Blvd. #140 Irving, TX 75063
214.289.6176
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