Mosquito Control Program

About the Program

The City of Irving actively works year-round to control mosquitoes. This helps prevent the spread of the diseases that they can carry. Mosquitoes are known worldwide to be the most dangerous creature to human health.

What Does the City Do About Mosquitoes? 

Educate the public. It is extremely important for the community to know and understand the threat of mosquitoes, as well as the diseases they spread and what people should do to help protect themselves. The City of Irving operates a Mosquito Hotline for residents to contact mosquito control personnel about concerns. Call (972) 721-3755 for the 24-hour hotline.

Surveillance. The first step is to set traps in an area to find out what species of mosquitoes are present that need to be controlled. Not all mosquitoes bite people. Traps are set at locations throughout the city; residents also can request a trap for their own property. Requested traps are set overnight and are to test for West Nile Virus-carrying mosquitoes only.

Treat or remove standing water. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant. By eliminating their breeding sites, the community can reduce the threat of diseases such as West Nile Virus.

Kill adult mosquitoes. Truck-mounted spraying is very effective in reducing populations of mosquitoes in neighborhoods and parks. If the city finds mosquitoes carrying a virus, a ground spraying is scheduled.

Kill mosquito larvae. Mosquitoes swim before they fly, so finding and treating water that cannot easily be drained is the most effective way to control the mosquito population. This is called larvaciding.

Respond. The City of Irving Vector Control team is notified of any cases of disease-carrying mosquitoes or when a resident has tested positive for any mosquito-borne illnesses through local health departments, including Dallas County Health and Human Services. Upon notification, a truck-mounted spraying is scheduled as soon as possible.

Some illness cases are related to travel; the person was out the country and returned with an illness contracted by mosquito bite. The entire North Texas community is at risk for West Nile. Cases are reported in the region each summer.

What Should We Do?

Everyone needs to take precautions every time we go outside during mosquito season. Just follow the Four D’s.

DEET: Mosquito repellents that contain DEET are known to be the most effective at preventing mosquito bites. Tip: Always follow the directions on the label.

DRAIN: Eliminate standing water around your house. If you can’t drain the water, treat the water.

DRESS: Cover your skin while outdoors and wear light colored clothing.

DAWN AND DUSK: The most active time for biting mosquitoes. Stay indoors as much as possible during the times the sun is setting or rising.