PHOTO: One of the trucks that Parks & Recreation uses to spray for mosquitos. Spraying takes place during the early morning and late evening hours.
Parks & Recreation will resume mosquito spraying on Thursday and is encouraging residents to take steps to help reduce mosquito populations.
Staff will spray the entire city over the course of several days, starting with the south and central areas of the city.
Spraying will take place during the early morning and late evening hours to avoid harming pollinators.
How does the weather influence mosquito spraying?
Parks & Recreation typically sprays for mosquitos 5-10 days after heavy rainfall, which is the approximate amount of time it takes mosquito larvae to grow to adulthood. However, because the spray cannot be used in rain or strong wind, this process can be disrupted if it rains again too soon afterward.
Following the heavy rains over Memorial Day weekend, Parks & Recreation began spraying the city June 9. Staff had sprayed three of the City’s 18 zones before another round of heavy rain forced the department to call off spraying.
Now that the rain has subsided, staff intend to spray the entire city to kill off the new mosquitos and those left from the previous rainfall.
Spraying the entire city is expected to take about 10 days, weather permitting.
Report a problem
Residents can report a mosquito problem by using the Victoria Texas 311 app or by going to www.victoriatx.gov and clicking “Report a Concern.” Parks & Recreation uses this information to identify priority areas for mosquito spraying.
Parks & Recreation only handles spraying within City limits. County residents should contact the Victoria County Public Health Department’s Environmental Services Division to request spraying.
How to help
The department encourages residents to take the following measures:
- Pour out standing water or treat it with larvicide (such as mosquito dunks).
- Remove or cover containers that could hold water.
- Fill in or drain puddles, ruts and tree hollows.
- Keep gutters and culverts clean so that rainwater can drain properly.
- Change the water in birdbaths, wading pools, etc. at least once each week.
- Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well-trimmed to prevent adult mosquitos from resting.
Parks & Recreation is unable to spray mosquitos or treat standing water on private property. Because of this, personal responsibility is a vital component of successful mosquito management.
Free mosquito dunks
Residents can pick up free mosquito dunks (one per household) at the Parks & Recreation administration office located in Riverside Park.
The mosquito dunks, which dissolve in water, contain a type of bacteria that kills mosquito larvae. The dunks are not toxic to fish or other animals.
Mosquito dunks can also be purchased at most hardware stores.
Stay connected
To learn more about Parks & Recreation’s integrated mosquito management program, visit www.victoriatx.gov/mosquito.