DENTON, TX, Nov. 4, 2022 – On Nov. 4, the City of Denton entered Risk Level 3 – Public Health Concern of the Mosquito Surveillance and Response Plan. Risk Level 3 was triggered because a sample of mosquitoes collected on Oct. 31 from a trap located at the Pecan Creek Water Reclamation Plant at 1100 S. Mayhill Rd. tested positive for West Nile virus. “This is the first sample that has tested positive for West Nile virus in the City of Denton this year,” said Michael Gange, Director of Environmental Services for the City of Denton. Under the Mosquito Surveillance and Response Plan, Risk Level 3 indicates that the probability of a person contracting a mosquito-borne disease like West Nile virus is low to moderate.
At Risk Level 3, the City will continue to conduct routine surveys of adult mosquitoes, which will be identified to species level and screened for the presence of viruses. The locations where disease-carrying mosquitoes were captured will be indicated on a map that is available on the Denton County’s website at www.dentoncounty.gov. The amount of biological agents (Bti) applied to kill mosquito larva will be increased over previous Risk Level amounts. The City will also increase public education emphasizing source reduction, personal protection, and disease symptoms.
While the City is working proactively to control mosquito populations and lower the threat of West Nile virus, citizen involvement is essential. "Mosquito control efforts in past seasons have been successful, which would not have been possible without the source reduction and larviciding efforts of Denton citizens," said Gange.
Eliminating breeding grounds is the most important and effective mosquito prevention measure. Help the City control Denton’s mosquito population by eliminating standing water from these and other areas and your property.
- Open trash/recycling carts
- Boats and pool covers
- Fountains and bird baths
- Clogged rain gutters
- Low areas
- Water bowls for pets
- Buckets and barrels
- Flower pots and saucers
- Leaky hoses
- Wagons and other toys
- Ponds
- Neglected pools
- Tires
- Piles of trash or debris
The City of Denton Water Utilities Department has a limited supply of Bti briquettes that residents can pick up in limited quantities (two per resident) while the supply lasts. Residents will be required to show their driver’s license or a current City of Denton utility bill to prove Denton residency.
City Bti distribution locations:
- City of Denton Customer Service located at 601 E. Hickory St; Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- City of Denton Composting located at 1100 S. Mayhill Rd. in the Pecan Creek Water Reclamation Facility; Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Detailed information about the steps residents can take to reduce the mosquito population and increase their protection against West Nile virus can be found at www.cityofdenton.com. Other resources include the Texas Department of Health Services website at www.dshs.state.tx.us and the Denton County Health Department website at www.dentoncounty.com/wnv.
Contact: Michael Gange, (940) 349-7165, [email protected]
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