Grapevine sprays after positive mosquito sample

After receiving confirmation that one mosquito sample tested positive for carrying the West Nile virus, the city sprayed Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The positive sample was found in the 2700 block of Whitby Lane. Due to it being the city’s first repeat area, spraying was conducted on three nights in the area within a half mile radius of the site.

Grapevine residents are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites by reducing outdoor activity during evening and nighttime hours. Residents who are outside during these times should cover their arms and legs and apply a mosquito repellent that contains DEET.

Residents are asked to eliminate any standing water to prevent mosquito breeding and the spread of the virus.

Breeding places for mosquitoes include swimming pools that are not kept clean, stagnant ponds, pet watering dishes, birdbaths, potted plants, old tires, empty containers, toys, clogged rain gutters and French drains. Standing water should be eliminated promptly.

Complimentary mosquito dunks that may be placed in standing water that cannot be drained are available at the Municipal Service Center, 501 Shady Brook, from 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

To report standing water or mosquito problems, Grapevine residents should call 817-410-3330. For additional information on mosquito control, please visit GrapevineTexas.gov.

Colleyville also reported positive samples at two locations last week, but did not spray in accordance with their policy that calls for spraying only after three positives in the same location.

“Even when spraying is conducted, it’s very localized to the area where a sample came back positive,” said Mona Gandy, city spokeswoman.

The city was notified of positive test results in two mosquito samples taken from the 3200 block of Queensbury Way West and the 1600 block of Hall-Johnson Road.

Larvicide treatment at both test sites was begun, and the sites are scheduled for continued testing. Residents within a quarter-mile area of the sample areas were notified through the city’s CodeRED system.

These are the fourth and fifth samples that have tested positive for West Nile virus this year, and the first for each of the two sites. The three sites that had previously tested positive have all been negative in subsequent testing after the larvicide treatments.

“We’ve had considerable success with our larvicide program,” Gandy said.

This story was originally published August 25, 2015 at 5:25 PM with the headline "Grapevine sprays after positive mosquito sample."