Lubbock Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile, Here’s How to Help Fight Them Off
It seems like every year this happens, but like clockwork it's back again. The City of Lubbock has confirmed that some mosquitoes in the area have tested positive for the West Nile virus.
They're doing what they can to keep the mosquito population low in the public areas. They treat mosquito breeding sites and use fogging to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes. In addition, efforts will increase to treat sites that have rehydrated due to recent precipitation.
But there's some stuff the city needs from the public. They're asking citizens to take these steps at their homes:
- Dump standing water around your home. Empty containers such as buckets, flower pot saucers and trashcans where water pool and become a breeding site for mosquitos.
- Mow grass and trim vegetation around your home since these are a food source for mosquitos and also serve as a resting place for them during the heat of the day.
- Clean gutters to eliminate clogs and prevent water buildup.
- Consider treating water features such as fountains with a larvicide and spraying exterior doorways and vegetation with an EPA registered mosquito spray formulated for the outdoors. When using chemical treatments, adhere to all manufacturer safety guidelines and recommendations.
If you go out outside, especially around dawn and dusk, these are the things the city is asking you to do:
- Wear an EPA-registered insect repellant
- Cover up with long-sleeved shirts and long pants
The City of Lubbock expects this to remain a risk until freezing temperatures hit Lubbock.
If you're worried you may have contracted West Nile virus, these are the symptoms to look out for: headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. If you're ill and suspect a mosquito-borne infection, you should contact your healthcare provider. You can find out more information at the Texas Department of State and Health Services' official website.