With the introduction of West Nile Fever, there have been debates concerning the need for spraying chemicals to control the adult mosquito population.  It is the Garland Health Department’s policy to be proactive and apply insecticide by truck-mounted equipment when surveillance shows increased or high mosquito populations in a specific area.  Mosquito trapping is conducted several times per week and is based on citizen complaints and areas of historic mosquito activity.  The trapped mosquitoes are sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services laboratory where they are tested for the presence of West Nile Virus.

At the bottom of this page there is a link to a map displaying various mosquito spraying and monitoring activities conducted by the Garland Health Department.  This map shows the locations and dates of sections of the city that have been sprayed and also shows areas that are going to be sprayed during the next 7 days.  The actual day the area will be sprayed is dependant on weather conditions as well as pesticide applicator availability.  In addition, the map shows the locations of mosquito trap sites as well as whether any of the trapped mosquitoes at a particular site tested positive for West Nile Virus. 

The City of Garland currently uses one chemical when spraying for mosquitoes, Aqualuer 20-20.  This chemical is diluted with water prior to application and the active ingredient for the chemical is permethrin.  The chemical is applied at a rate of 5 to 6 ml per minute, which equates to roughly one-third teaspoon of mixture applied per average residential lot.  This is in accordance with EPA label directions.  Most spraying is conducted between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. when the majority of residents are inside. 

Mosquito trapping has begun for the Summer 2008 and continue until mosquito activity decreases; typically in early fall.  Spraying activity will begin once increased activity is noted and/or positive cases of West Nile Virus are received.  If you have any questions regarding mosquito spraying activities in Garland, please call the Health Department at 972-205-3460.

West Nile Virus Information
Mosquito Spraying Map
City Council Mosquito Control Presentation