Woodlands Residents reminded to take necessary precautions against mosquitoes

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The Montgomery County Mosquito Abatement team has detected the first West Nile virus positive mosquito of the season in south Montgomery County outside The Woodlands Township boundaries, and the Township strongly encourages residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Personal protective measures, such as wearing long, loose, light-colored clothing and applying insect repellent before going outdoors greatly reduces the risk of mosquito bites. A variety of insect repellents are available for use, and the Centers for Disease Control recommends products containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon-eucalyptus.

Standing water is also where mosquitoes can produce a generation in as soon as one week, so eliminating standing water from bird baths, wheelbarrows, plant saucers and other items commonly found outside is an important first step to reducing the risk at home. Areas that are not easily drained, such as French drains, can be treated safely and effectively with Mosquito Dunks®, available at hardware and home improvement stores.

Treatment of the affected area by South County Mosquito Abatement is occurring and includes spraying all streets and county rights of way within that area twice in one week. Residents can check the treatment activity map in Montgomery County (http://www.precinct3.org/mosquito-abatement/) to learn if and when spraying will occur in their neighborhoods. Creekside Park residents can view the Harris County activity map at http://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/Services-Programs/All-Services/Mosquito-Control-Services. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor activity during the scheduled treatment hours.

Remember – mosquitoes spend three-quarters of their lifecycle in the water, so THINK WET:

Wear repellent.
Eliminate standing water.
Treat water you can’t eliminate.
Information about taking precautions against mosquitoes is available at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/mosquitoinfo.