McKINNEY, Texas (Oct. 7, 2016) – McKinney is set to spray an area of the city in order to control mosquitoes after a positive mosquito pool for West Nile Virus was confirmed. Spraying will start at 10:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, weather permitting. The spray area is generally a half mile radius around El Tinker Taylor Memorial Park and Fire Station #3. 

Signs will be posted at major intersections to notify residents of spraying activity, and information and a map of the spray area will be posted on the city’s website at www.mckinneytexas.org/mosquitocontrol. 

Residents in the spray area are advised to stay indoors during the spray period and should bring their pets inside that evening. Residents who do not want to spray near their home should contact City of McKinney Health Compliance at 972-547-7447 by 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7. 

McKinney residents are also reminded to remember the 4 D’s of preventing West Nile virus disease: 

·         DEET (or other effective mosquito repellent) – Use a mosquito repellent that has been proven to be effective against West Nile Virus-carrying mosquitoes. DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (also called p-menthane-3,8-diol or PMD) and IR3535 are good choices.

·         Dusk to Dawn – Avoid exposure during peak Culex mosquito feeding times, from dusk through dawn.

·         Dress – Wear long sleeves and pants to keep mosquitoes from biting.

·         Drain – Remove standing water in your yard or garden to minimize mosquito breeding areas.