Heavy Rainfall Prompts Rockwall to Encourage Mosquito Safety Measures

Rockwall, Texas (June 21, 2024) – The City of Rockwall encourages residents to take proactive steps to protect against mosquito population and mosquito-borne illnesses during the hot summer months. The recent storms and significant rainfall—35.11 inches year to date compared to 12.82 inches for the same period in 2023—have created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.

Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn and can spread diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika. Recommendations to reduce help exposure:
• Use Insect Repellent: Apply an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus every time you go outside. Follow the instructions on the label for safe use.
• Drain Standing Water: Regularly remove water from empty cans, tires, buckets, clogged rain gutters, and saucers under potted plants. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Please note that the City can only treat stagnant water on public property.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

As of now, there have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus within the City of Rockwall. The City traps mosquitoes weekly in north, central, and south Rockwall from May through September. The mosquitoes are sent to Austin for testing for pathogens such as West Nile Virus. Reports are typically received within 48 hours. If a mosquito tests positive for a pathogen, a fogging operation is scheduled within a 1/2 mile radius around the positive trap.

For further information, visit https://www.rockwall.com/mosquito.asp

Press release submitted by Kate Sitzenstatter for City of Rockwall, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy graphic.

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