Mosquito Update / Frequently Asked Questions and Information
How can I find out what cases have been reported?
Please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services West Nile Virus website for information regarding this area.
Have any mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile Virus?
Yes. The City of Frisco received confirmation on September 13, 2007 that a mosquito sample tested positive for West Nile Virus.
Will the City of Frisco treat areas on private property?
No. The City of Frisco may only treat areas that are publicly owned and maintained. Private landowners are responsible for all maintenance on their own property. Areas such as subdivision pools are on private property, typically owned by a development company or a homeowner's association and may not be treated by the City of Frisco.
How can I protect myself against mosquito bites?
The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends that screens on doors and windows to be in good condition and to use personal protection. Personal protection includes dressing to minimize exposed skin, wearing insect repellent and avoiding the outdoors during the hours of dawn to dusk (6am to 9 am or 7pm to 10pm) which is when mosquitoes that have been identified as possibly carrying the disease are out. It also includes identifying areas of your property that may have stagnant water. Please refer to the appropriate link below for detailed precaution recommendations given by the Texas Department of State Health Services (formerly Texas Department of Health).
I have small children and worry about applying chemicals on their skin. What is recommended?
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) states that precautions should be taken with insect repellent for children of certain ages. Please visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/insect_repellent.htm for more information. Parents with questions or concerns about repellents should consult their family physician. Most doctors can direct you to other resources that explain alternatives to the active ingredients found in most repellents.
What insect repellents should adults use?
The CDC recommends adults wear repellent that contains 30 percent of the ingredient DEET to be most effective against the mosquitoes that carry WNV. However, lesser amounts of DEET products may be used with repeat applications during outdoor time periods as specified on the CDC website.
What is the City of Frisco doing about West Nile Virus?
On July 30, 2002 we began treating City-owned areas of stagnant water with a larvicide. This is an integral part of the approach recommended by the Center for Disease Control in minimizing the number of mosquitoes in our area. On June 16, 2004 we began a mosquito surveillance program. Mosquitoes are a direct indicator of human illness risk when it comes to West Nile virus. In this program, mosquitoes are trapped and shipped for testing. In addition, there is continuous monitoring of areas owned and maintained by the City of Frisco. Efforts are made to disseminate new information as quickly as possible to our citizens. The City of Frisco has approved West Nile Virus (WNV) - Response Plans which details all City staff actions.
Does the City of Frisco spray for mosquitoes?
The City will spray for mosquitoes when triggers are met as stated on the West Nile Virus (WNV) - Response Plans. After receiving notification on September 13, 2007 of the positive mosquito sample, the City's response is to spray as indicated in the plan. The areas that are affected will be sprayed on Monday, September 17, 2007. Please see questions and answers below regarding spraying:
When the City does spray, what area(s) will be sprayed and at what times?
Spraying will occur between a half (1/2) mile to one (1) mile radius of the positive area (mosquito or human case), depending on population density. The application truck will drive streets and alleys of areas noted from 10pm to 6am
How will the City alert the public of areas to be sprayed? The City of Frisco will use multiple communication avenues:
The City of Frisco's cable channel - Grande Channel 12 and Comcast Channel 16 and the City of Frisco's web site www.friscotexas.gov features press releases and alerts, or you can sign-up for the E-News ListServ to have important City of Frisco news emailed to you. The City of Frisco may also use lighted message boards for major thoroughfares and use vinyl signs for minor streets and subdivisions.
What precautions should I take when the City does spray?
It is recommended you stay indoors during application, bring pets indoors and refresh outdoor animal water devices the next morning.
Will spraying occur weekly or at routine intervals?
Not at this time. Spraying will occur on a routine basis if triggers are met that justify level Red public health alert as stated on the West Nile Virus (WNV) - Response Plans. The triggers for the next level are: positive mosquito samples plus one human case or multiple human cases.
Can the applicator turn off the sprayer at my house if I request so?
No. We ask that citizens concerned about the spraying take individual precautions to stay indoors and to close doors and windows. The City of Frisco contracts with an applicator and has no direct control of the application process.
I live behind/just outside the radius circle noted. Will my house receive overspray?
We cannot guarantee that wind drift will not occur.
I jog at night. What do I do if I see the fogging truck?
The fogging truck operator will turn off the sprayer if persons are outdoors and the sprayer will remain off until a safe distance is met. The chemical manufacturers require avoidance of direct exposure with the spray.
My dog/bird/cat is outside at night. What do I do about animals?
Animals, animal/pet bowls and dishes and animal cages should be brought indoors during spraying hours.
Will the chemicals affect my car, patio furniture or pool water?
The spray produces a very fine mist of less than 20 microns. There is no evidence suggesting adverse effects of stationery objects. Pool water, if properly filtrated, will be unaffected.
What length of area does the spray effect when coming off the truck?
A 300 ft. swath around the back of the truck.
What can I do to help eliminate mosquitoes from my yard?
At this time, the Texas Department of State Health Services recommends residents not allow water to stagnate. Citizens can help by being diligent and removing all sources of stagnant water on their property. Areas to look include french drains, gutters, old tires, flowerpots, trash containers, swimming pools, bird baths and pet bowls. Citizens may actively treat areas of stagnant water on their property, not to include creeks and other protected waterways. Mosquito larvicidal treatments can be purchased at feed stores and home improvement centers. For further information on potential breeding areas, please use the appropriate link given below.
Will I need to to cover the pond or Koi pond in my backyard during spraying?
Yes. Please cover ponds that have aquatic or other natural animals during the spraying hours.
What should I do if I see a dead bird?
Birds die from many causes. West Nile virus primarily impacts crows and blue jays. You may contact Health & Food Safety at (972) 292-5304 or e-mail health@friscotexas.gov to receive instructions on proper disposal. People cannot become infected by being in contact with the carcass, but plastic gloves should be worn and hands washed after disposal. Carcasses may be disposed in your regular collection trash can after it has been placed in a bag and secured.
Will birds be shipped for testing?
As recommended by the Texas Department of State Health Services the City of Frisco does not ship birds for testing. Birds are dead end hosts. Efforts are concentrated on mosquito surveillance and testing at this time.
I have a creek that backs up to my house. Will mosquitoes breed in the water?
Flowing creeks and waterways generally do not contain mosquito larvae. Please note that the Texas Department of State Health Services states that creeks and protected waterways may not be treated.
I see standing water in a drainage easement next to my property. Who do I call?
Please call the Homeowner’s Association responsible for maintaining drainage easements, detention or retention areas and all common areas in your neighborhood.
For questions concerning areas maintained by the City of Frisco that contain areas of stagnant water, please contact the Public Works Department at (972) 292-5800.
Links:
Texas Department of State Health Services – Obtain a printable copy of the West Nile Virus Information Packet
Complete West Nile Virus Information – Includes precautions, FAQs and recommendations for eliminating standing water on your property
Collin County Healthcare Service
972-548-5500
972-548-5525 - West Nile Information Line
Denton County Health Department
940-349-2916
940-349-2907 - West Nile Information Line
For more information, contact Health & Food Safety at (972) 292-5304 or e-mail health@friscotexas.gov.