THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS (May 25, 2016) – Working in cooperation with Montgomery County Precinct 3 and Harris County Mosquito Control District, The Woodlands Township conducts ongoing mosquito trapping and surveillance while providing public education to reduce mosquito populations.
Recent reports of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus in both Harris and Montgomery counties heightens awareness during an already tense mosquito season. No locally generated cases of mosquito-borne disease in humans have been reported at this time.
When a sample of mosquitoes tests positive for disease, or a human case of mosquito-borne disease is reported, action is taken in accordance with Integrated Mosquito Management endorsed by Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Montgomery and Harris counties initiate a response protocol that may include biological controls, street spraying and treatment of storm drains.
To keep residents informed, the Township webpage provides links to reports of mosquito activity and spray schedule maps for each county. Please visit www.thewoodlandsstownship-tx.gov/mosquitoinfo to access information for each village in The Woodlands.
All residents of The Woodlands are reminded to use mosquito repellent, eliminate sources of standing water and treat areas that cannot be drained with mosquito dunks containing Bti, a biological larvicide available at home and garden centers.
To protect yourself and your family when out of doors, CDC recommends wearing long, loose, light-colored clothing and to use mosquito repellent. Select product strength based on the amount of time planned to spend outside. Follow label directions.
Residents are also urged to monitor landscapes weekly for sources of standing water.
“Eliminating standing water is the most effective means of controlling nuisance and disease-carrying mosquitoes,” explained John Geiger, manager of environmental services for The Woodlands Township.
Run-off from landscape irrigation caused by overwatering creates mosquito breeding sites. Set sprinkler systems to irrigate no more than twice a week on your designated watering days, delivering no more than one inch of water a week.
To learn more about eliminating breeding sites and selecting a repellent, please visit The Woodlands Township website at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/mosquitoinfo/A>, or call The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800.
Photo: Mosquito surveillance ramps up as summer nears. The Woodlands Township Mosquito Abatement team dip test standing water for evidence of mosquito larva.