Rockwall, Texas – The City of Rockwall wants everyone to be extra careful about mosquito protection as the weather gets warmer and people spend more time outside. Officials are reminding the community that mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance. They may also transfer diseases like Zika and West Nile virus, which can be a threat to public health.
City health officials are urging residents to do a few simple things to help lower the number of mosquitoes and keep themselves and their family safe. Some of the suggestions are to use insect repellents that have been shown to work, like those that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. They underline how crucial it is to read and follow all the safety recommendations on the label, especially for young children.
One further important step is to get rid of any standing water, which is where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Residents are advised to check their yards and empty out water that collects in items like flowerpot saucers, buckets, tires, and even clogged gutters. Officials say that the city regularly eliminates stagnant water on public land, but homeowners are responsible for their own property. This can make a major difference in keeping the mosquito population down.
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Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so it’s best to wear long sleeves and pants at these times. City authorities say that this simple step can help minimize the danger of mosquito bites, even though the Texas heat isn’t always comfortable.
There have been no verified instances of the West Nile virus in people living in Rockwall’s city limits at this time. The city is still on watch, though. Every week from May to September, mosquito traps are put out in different parts of Rockwall.
A state lab in Austin tests the caged mosquitoes for viruses like West Nile. The city usually gets the test results in two days. If the test comes back positive, staff quickly proceed to fog the area within half a mile of the trap location to assist stop the spread of the disease.
City authorities are asking people to stay aware and take these steps seriously, not only for their own health but also for the health of the whole city. The city’s official website has more information, tools, and specifics for those that want them.
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Officials think that Rockwall can keep mosquito-borne diseases at bay and make the summer a safer and more fun time for everyone if they put in a little additional work and care.
