Integrated Mosquito Management Program

Information


The City Council adopted an integrated mosquito management plan and West Nile Virus Response Plan on April 18, 2013. This plan was developed based on recommendations and best practices from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Texas Department of Health. The plan is intended to help prevent human infection through activities that assist residents by reducing the risk of infection; monitor risks to humans through surveillance of mosquitos and human infections; assist with county and the state in gauging the effectiveness of mosquito control activities through larvaciding and adulticiding and alerting the medical community if confirmations or laboratory diagnosis of patients occur and providing timely information regarding where humans may be most at risk.

Included in the Integrated Mosquito Management Program, is a Mosquito Surveillance and Monitoring component. The City of Midlothian conducts trapping and testing on a weekly basis to monitor the spread of West Nile Virus through a third party contractor, Vector Disease Control International (VDCI). Based on weekly reports, testing results and conditions, the City partnering with VDCI determines action responses for each area.

In addition, the City mowing contractor and City staff monitor and treat various locations where there is known standing and stagnant water within the city. Vacant properties which have stagnant swimming pools and areas of standing water are also treated on a 30 day cycle. City of Midlothian residents may also receive mosquito dunks, to apply themselves on their own property, free of charge from the Police Department located at 1150 N Hwy 67, Suite 100, Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Mosquitoes are active anytime the temperature is above 60 degrees, so a continued maintenance program is encouraged year round.  There continues to be five traps set throughout the city to trap and sample mosquitoes that may carry West Nile Virus.
 

Tips to Reduce Your Risk

  • Change water in birdbaths twice a week
  • Change pet water daily
  • Cut weeds and tall grass
  • Avoid overwatering the landscape
  • Keep grass clippings out of the storm drains
  • Fill ruts and holes that collect water
  • Properly maintain pools, hot tubs, spas and pool pumps
  • Check for standing water on tarps, plastic covers, buckets, and tires
  • Apply dunks in water areas that cannot be drained