May 13, 2009

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                 

  Contact:  Sandy Kachur

713.439.6292

Martha Garza
(713) 439-6193

 

Mosquito Season in Full Swing…

Thermal Fogging Operation to Begin in Area Storm Sewers

To Help Prevent Mosquito-borne Disease

 

Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services (HCPHES) Mosquito Control Division will begin thermal fogging area storm sewers Wednesday, May 13^th to combat the threat of mosquito-borne disease.  Last year, thermal fogging began in late April.

 

The thermal fogging operation will be conducted in the following area, weather permitting:

• Southwest portion of the IH-610 Loop - south of Hwy. 59, west of SH 288 and north of MacGregor Drive  (Key Map 493X & Key Map 533B)         

 

(Please refer to the attached maps for the area being treated.)

 

Thermal fogging is a mosquito control measure consisting of a heat-generated source of insecticide released directly into the storm sewers.  This operation is conducted strictly during daytime hours.

 

“Recent surveillance findings indicate an increased population of Culex mosquitoes in the area storm sewers.  Therefore, HCPHES Mosquito Control is taking this proactive measure to help combat and control mosquitoes and the threat of mosquito-borne disease,” says Dr. Rudy Bueno, Director, HCPHES Mosquito Control Division.  Culex quinquefasciatus (Culex) is the main species of mosquito known to carry West Nile Virus (WNV) and St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE) in the Houston/Harris County area.

 

In addition to the thermal fogging operation being conducted, HCPHES Mosquito Control has expanded existing mosquito surveillance in the county to facilitate earlier recognition and detection of disease carrying mosquitoes. 

 

“As we have more spring rain and the temperature outside begins to rise, so does the mosquito population.  Now is the time to eliminate mosquito breeding habitats from your property, and take appropriate precautions to avoid being bitten by disease-carrying mosquitoes,” says Dr. Bueno.

 

Harris County residents can help decrease mosquito breeding in storm sewers by not “feeding” the storm drains.  Residents are encouraged to sweep up lawn clippings, leaves and tree limbs from sidewalks and driveways and dispose of them properly.

 

When outdoors, individuals should use an insect repellent containing the chemical compound DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus and apply as directed on the label.

                                                                                                                

For information about proper precautions to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito-borne illnesses, please visit www.hcphes.org or www.cdc.gov.

  

Dr. Rudy Bueno will be available for media interviews today from 9:00am – 11:00am at HCPHES Mosquito Control Office located at 3330 Old Spanish Trail, Building D, Houston, Texas  77021.

 

If media are interested in video or pictures of the thermal fogging operation, please arrive at the intersection of MacGregor Way and Jackson Street (Key Map 533B) promptly at 10:00am.)