Ground Spraying

Overview

Following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), State, and local health authorities, the City of Burleson’s plan for mosquito control for 2023 includes ground spraying for mosquitoes in predetermined zones where a mosquito trap confirms West Nile Virus. In cases of other mosquito borne diseases, treatment and prevention will follow CDC, State, and local health authorities recommendations.      

Spraying Updates

The City of Burleson was notified that mosquitoes in Zone 22 tested positive for West Nile Virus. In response, the city will be conducting truck-based spraying two nights this weekend. To allow some flexibility for the inclement weather in the forecast, spraying will occur sometime between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. on two of the three nights between Friday, October 27 and Sunday, October 29.   The ground spraying will be performed by trucks equipped with sprayers in targeted subdivisions within the designated spray zones. For more information call 817-426-9848. 

Click the links below to see the maps of the areas to be sprayed.

Mosquito Spray Zone 22 Map

Find out what mosquito zone you live in

Simply type your address into the search bar below. Be sure to put ", Burleson" after your address to avoid getting an error. 

Preventing Outbreaks

In 2012, Texas was the center of one of the worst West Nile Virus outbreaks ever recorded since the disease first appeared in the United States in 1999. Early summer of 2012 in Burleson, 4 mosquito traps tested positive for West Nile Virus. The City contracted with a private company to do ground-based spraying in targeted areas where 4 human cases of West Nile Virus were confirmed as well as in any area where a mosquito trap tested positive for West Nile Virus. The ground-based spraying was done in August and September of 2012. 

Focus

In 2021 the focus is still on preventing the spread of West Nile Virus via mosquitoes. We now set 17 traps each week in 15 designated spray zones throughout the mosquito breeding season (April - October). The primary objective of this program is to control mosquito larvae through treating (larviciding) the stagnant water they breed in before they develop into biting adults. During the 2021 season, waterways, historically known breeding sites and complaint locations will be regularly inspected and treated as necessary. Ground based truck spraying for adult mosquitoes is only performed when an adult mosquito tests positive for West Nile Virus.

Pesticide

The pesticide that is used for ground spraying is Aqua Perm-X UL 30-30. The active ingredient in this product is Permethrin (see Permethrin fact sheet). Permethrin is a man-made chemical that acts like the natural insecticide in the chrysanthemum flower. Because the product is applied at very low concentrations, it is not likely to harm the health of adults, children, or pets.

The actual amount of dilute insecticide that lands on a typical quarter acre lot is less than 1/3 of a teaspoon. The actual amount of active ingredient that lands on the same lot is less than 5/100ths of a teaspoon (2 or 3 medicine dropper drops).  

For more, go to the frequently asked questions about Permethrin. 

Precautionary Measures

The City uses a private contractor to conduct adult mosquito spraying. Although the product that is being sprayed from ground level produces no significant health risk, residents are still advised to take precautionary measures if spraying occurs in their neighborhood.

  • Whenever possible, stay indoors during spraying.
  • Some individuals are sensitive to pesticides. Persons with asthma or other respiratory conditions are encouraged to stay inside during spraying since there is a possibility that spraying could worsen these conditions.
  • Central air conditioners may remain on. Persons with window unit air conditioners who wish to reduce the possibility of indoor exposure to pesticides should set the air conditioner vent to the "closed" position or choose the "recirculate" function.
  • Remove children's toys, outdoor equipment and clothes from outdoor areas during spraying. If these items are exposed to pesticides, wash with soap and water before using again.
  • Remove pets, along with their food and water bowls, from outdoor areas during spraying.
  • Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water.
  • Any produce grown, stored or kept outdoors and exposed to spraying should be washed thoroughly before cooking or eating.
  • Anyone experiencing adverse reactions to pesticides should seek medical care or call 911.

Additional Resources