City of Marshall begins spraying for mosquitoes for disease prevention

May 5, 2016

From J. C. Hughes, Public Services Director, City of Marshall

MARSHALL – Recent heavy rains have created a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. The City of Marshall started spraying activities in early March this year, which is a month earlier than normal. We will continue spraying the entire city twice monthly, until later this Fall.

In addition to concerns over West Nile, we also have a new threat, the Zika Virus, which is spreading on a global scale. Prevention and protection are the keys to reducing your exposure to mosquitoes.

Residents and businesses need to take immediate action and work together with their neighbors to eliminate any unnecessary standing water which serves a perfect breeding ground for all mosquitoes.

We will continue spraying until the mosquito population has been eliminated by a strong freeze and until reports of mosquitoes have stopped. If you experience a high number of mosquitoes in your neighborhood, contact our Public Works office at 903-935-4485 and we will provide an additional application in that area.

The Harrison County AgriLife Extension Office has a excellent website with resources and information regarding mosquito control and also new information on the Zika Virus – http://harrison.agrilife.org/ or call 903-935-8413 and the Texas Department of Health Services also has excellent information at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/ or call 888-963-7111

Your best defense is to practice these habits:
1. Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus or research natural mosquito repellents.
2. Dress in long sleeves and long pants when you are outside.
3. Stay indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
4. Drain standing water where mosquitoes breed. Common breeding sites include old tires, flowerpots and clogged rain gutters.
5. Use air conditioning or make sure there are screens are on all doors and windows to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.

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