The Metro Health District is planning a vigorous program of mosquito eradication as we move into the hot summer months, but officials stress the cooperation of citizens is essential to make sure the job is done right, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Stephen Barscewski, Metro Health Food and Environmental Program Manager, is heading the effort, which will include spraying for mosquitoes on roadways, bar ditches, and public areas.
He says they're tough pests to kill.
"The mosquito responsible is what is generally classed as a container mosquito," he says. "That means it grows in flower pots, bid baths, and dog dishes."
That's why he says people need to take charge of mosquito control and eradication on their own property. He says it is in your best interests because to do this because the Aedes Aegypti, the mosquito that spreads Zika, only flies about 100 yards from the place where it is hatched.
"Its a very aggressive, stealthy daytime biter, and you may be bitten four or five times before you even know there are mosquitos flying around you.
"Texas health officials full expect local transmission of Zika to occur across the state this summer, a situation which may require areas to be quarantined. Last summer, with the exception of a handful of cases in Cameron County, all Zika cases were in people who had traveled to Zika-heavy areas in the Caribbean and Central America.
The Texas Department of State Health Services says mandatory Zika testing for pregnant women will take place in six Rio Grande counties this year, and could expand across the state.
Barscewski says residents will generally be notified when mosquito spraying trucks will be in their neighborhood. There are strict guidelines on when spraying can take place to minimize any problems.
Spraying can't be done when the wind is stronger than 5 mph, for example, sprayer trucks can't move faster than 5 mph, spraying cannot be done near water or when the temperature is over 100 degrees.
"There is a brochure we hand out to the homeowners on how they can help control on their property," he said. "Since we don't do private property, we look at it is teamwork on how you can help us control this across the city."
He says the vast majority of neighborhoods will be sprayed before dawn, before most people are out of their homes.
Berscewski recommends what is called a 'mosquito briquette' or a 'mosquito dunk,' for homeowners. It is a low cost mosquito larvae killer which can be purchased at stores like Lowes and Home Depot, as well as garden stores. It is completely harmless to pets, plants, and anything which is not a mosquito.