By Joe Reavis
Staff Writer
The city of Wylie takes a proactive approach to controlling mosquito populations, especially in light of the discovery last week of mosquitoes in Collin County that were carrying West Nile Virus.
A pool of mosquitoes carrying WNV was found in Plano last week. Fogging operations started Friday evening, Aug. 7.
In Wylie, as a preventative measure, city crews have been fogging weekly in pre-dawn areas since April 30. Fogging operations have been in industrial sections of the city as well as in Founders and Community Parks, City Manager Mindy Manson reported.
In addition, mosquito traps are deployed throughout town and are monitored weekly. So far this year, an insufficient number of mosquitoes have been collected to conduct testing for the presence of WNV.
Manson advised that citizens having problems with mosquitoes should contact the Public Works Streets Division at 972-442-7588. An inspector will survey the area and assist in evaluating potential mosquito breeding areas. The street division is responsible for treating water to inhibit mosquito growth and eradicating adult mosquitoes.
When engaged in outdoor activities during warm weather months, the Center for Disease Control recommends applying insect repellents on exposed skin, consider wearing long pants and long sleeves when weather allows, eliminating mosquito breeding sites around your home, putting or repairing window screens and using mosquito netting on infant carriers.
