Mosquito Control News & Information
Mosquito Control
The Town of Highland Park staff conducts mosquito control activities year-round, but increases those efforts from April through October, during the most active mosquito season in North Texas.
Testing & Monitoring
The Town works along with Dallas County Health and Human Services Department (DCHHS), and other government and private entities to conduct surveillance and testing of the mosquito population for West Nile Virus. Monitoring for mosquitoes occurs year-round. To get the most up-to-date information on mosquito control activities in Highland Park, please sign up with Blue Zone News and HP Alerts.
Weekly Dallas County WNV Surveillance Report
Mosquito Ground Spraying
The Town’s decision to use adulticide is based on the Centers for Disease Control’s recommendations that surveillance data, when combined with established thresholds, indicates a necessity to reduce the density of adult mosquito populations quickly to lower the risk of West Nile Virus. Ground spraying measures include the public rights-of-way and the Town’s tennis courts. In the event of rain or wind speeds in excess of 10 m.p.h., the spraying is rescheduled. Individuals should remain inside and protect pets during the time the sprayers are in your area. Any pet water dishes left outside should be cleaned after spraying.
Information on the most recent mosquito ground spraying dates and locations - The Town is broken up into four geographical quadrants for the purpose of adulticide application, and the Mosquito Management Map complements the information in the hyperlink above.
Mosquito Management Map
Methods of Control
The Town's Mosquito Control Policy includes public education, source reduction, and larviciding, to prevent mosquito eggs from developing into adults. The Town practices integrated mosquito control with the intent to disrupt the mosquito life cycle in its early stages to eliminate the number of adults and mosquito breeding sites. Should you observe any standing water in public areas or on private property, notify the Town at 214-521-4161 or make the report on the HP4U Resident Connection.
Protection Starts With You
West Nile Virus, Chikungunya, Dengue, & Zika Virus
Staff has discussed Zika Virus strategies with Dallas County Health & Human Services Vector Control. They recommended that the Town continue its integrated mosquito management program.
Mosquitoes & Covid-19
Covid-19 Cannot Be Transmitted Through Mosquito Bites
To date, there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that Covid-19 could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The Covid-19 is a respiratory virus that spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing.
From the CDC – Centers for Disease Control
- Mosquitoes and ticks can’t spread all types of viruses.
- At this time, we have no data to suggest that COVID-19 or other similar coronaviruses (e.g. SARS, MERS) are spread by mosquitoes or ticks.
- For a virus to pass to a person through a mosquito or tick bite, the virus must be able to replicate inside the mosquito or tick.
Useful Links
CDC Info:
ZIKA Info
Mosquito Info
West Nile Virus
Texas Department of State Health Services Info:
Zika in Texas
Mosquito-borne Diseases
DCHHS Info:
Mosquitos in Dallas County
DCHHS West Nile Watch
A recent article released by Texas AgriLife Today, a part of the Texas A&M University System discusses this topic more. View the Article.