In an attempt to fight the increasing number of cases of the West Nile Virus in North Texas, City of Commerce officials have made the decision to continue spraying for mosquitoes on a weekly basis through the month of September.

The spraying is more effective if it takes place during peak mosquito biting hours. Crews will begin spraying around 7:30 p.m., weather permitting, and will continue until 9:00 p.m.

In the event of rain, the spraying will not take place that night, but will commence according to schedule on the next clear night.

The schedule is as follows:

SECTION A – MONDAY
***	September 10	September 17	September 24
Borders the north side of Live Oak Street and the west side of Park Street
SECTION B – TUESDAY
September 4	September 11/	September 18	September 25
Borders the south side of Live Oak Street, north side of Culver Street and west side of Park Street
SECTION D – WEDNESDAY
September 5	September 12	September 19	September 26
Borders the south side of Culver Street, east side of Park Street and south side of Maple Street
SECTION C – THURSDAY
September 6	September 13	September 20	September 27
Borders the north side of Maple Street and the east side of Park Street.

***Because Monday, September 3 is a holiday, spraying will not take place in Section A.

The fogging unit’s output is calibrated to ensure that the correct amount of the product is applied for each treatment area. All products are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are applied by a state certified technician.

THIS PRODUCT IS EXTREMELY TOXIC TO FISH AND FISHPONDS SHOULD BE COVERED WHEN SPRAYING IS SCHEDULED IN OR NEAR YOUR AREA.

This product is of low toxicity to humans and pets, but it is a pesticide and direct contact should be avoided. Citizens should go indoors or stay back from the truck during spraying operations.  The chemical will not be sprayed if the driver sees people outdoors.

Although the chemicals are reducing the number of mosquitoes, the spray will not eliminate all chances of getting bit. There are several things that you can do to reduce your chances of being bitten.

1. Consider staying indoors during peak mosquito biting times – dusk and dawn.

2. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants that are light colors. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.

3. Apply an insect repellent that contains DEET.

4. Limit the number of places that mosquitoes can breed by eliminating the standing water sources around your home.

5. Try to pick a breezy location when enjoying the outdoors. Mosquitoes have a hard time flying even in a light wind.

More information about the West Nile Virus can be found on the City of Commerce website at www.commercetx.org. Questions or comments about the spraying should be addressed to the Public Works Department at 903-886-1152.