THE WOODLANDS – State health officials have reported the first pool of mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile mosquitoes within The Woodlands this year.
The Texas Department of State Health Services said the sample was collected during surveillance the week of September 14. Previous to that week, more than 600 traps had been set in the community which had not tested positive for the virus.
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In response, street spraying in the area has begun.
Officials urge residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes. They suggest staying indoors from dusk to dawn when disease-carrying mosquitoes are active. For those who must be outside, wear long, loose, light-colored clothing, as well as use repellent and apply according to label instructions.
Other suggestions include:
- Avoid over-watering, control run-off from irrigation systems and eliminate sources of standing water. Check water meter boxes, French drains and plant pots.Â
- Maintain pools and change pet water and bird baths twice a week.Â
- Use mosquito dunks to treat sources of water that cannot be drained.
Click here for more recommendations or call Environmental Services at 281-210-3900.