Mosquitoes are becoming more prevalent in Wichita Falls, Texas as temperatures rise and rain falls. The Wichita County Health District discussed their efforts to combat the pesky insects at a recent Wichita County Commissioner’s Court meeting. To prevent an outbreak, the Health District has implemented various methods to control mosquito populations. They use traps to capture female mosquitoes for virus testing and if any presence of the virus is detected, they initiate spraying in the affected areas.
However, the preferred method is targeting mosquitoes while they are still in the water, as they are more concentrated and easier to reach in that state. According to Andrew Skinner, the Vector Control Coordinator for the Wichita County Health District, spray trucks are less effective as they only target flying mosquitoes. Treating mosquitoes in water is a more efficient method. The Health District is also working on enhancing their interactive spray map for better accessibility and readability, allowing residents to see when their neighborhoods will be sprayed next.
Recent rains in the area have prompted increased vigilance in monitoring mosquito activity for signs of West Nile Virus. By staying proactive and utilizing various control methods, the Health District aims to minimize the mosquito population and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus.