MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County Health Department has received confirmation of mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus within ZIP codes 38018, 38116, and 38141.
These are the first positive mosquito pools found within Shelby County in 2015.
Since April, the Shelby County Health Department’s Vector Control Program has treated areas by applying larvicides to standing bodies of water. These actions are consistent with the Health Department’s efforts to be proactive in decreasing the adult mosquito population. Larviciding is the practice of applying an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insecticide to areas where mosquito breeding has been confirmed.
The Health Department also will conduct mosquito control activities, including truck-mounted spraying (adulticiding) of EPA-approved insecticides, weather permitting, in portions of specific ZIP codes as needed.
Citizens now can view the exact boundaries of each scheduled spray by visiting schdresponse.com/ content/mosquito-control-activity-schedule.
New maps will be added weekly to reflect updated schedules.
Truck mounted spraying only effectively kills adult mosquitoes that are flying at the time the insecticide is released. Citizens are encouraged to:
- Wear DEET-containing mosquito repellants according to label directions (especially during evening hours)
- Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Check properties for objects – including old tires, flower pots and drip plates, tin cans, buckets, and children’s toys – that collect rainwater and either drain or dispose of the water
- Install or repair windows and door screens
- Empty, clean and refill birdbaths and small wading pools weekly
- Empty and refill pets’ water bowls every few days
- Repair failed septic systems and leaky outside faucets
- Clean rain gutters and down spouts
- Secure swimming pool covers tightly and remove any standing water after rainfall
- Store wheelbarrows, canoes and boats upside down
- Stock ornamental lawn ponds with fish (Gambusia) that eat mosquito larvae (Gambusia fish are available free from the Vector Control Program. Call (901) 222-9715) to find out availability.
