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 2025 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 

October 29: The city of Burleson has been notified that mosquitoes from Zones 7, 9, and 10 tested positive for West Nile virus this week.

Due to forecasted overnight temperatures in the 40s, we will not be conducting ground-based fogging this weekend. For the spray to be most effective, temperatures must be above 50°F and wind speeds below 10 mph.

If you plan to go trick-or-treating after dusk, please protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and using an EPA-approved insect repellent. That way you can focus on Boo's instead of bites! 

For more information call 817-426-9848. This brings us to a total of 27 positives for West Nile Virus and one positive for St. Louis encephalitis during the 2025 season. 

If you would like to be notified of ground spraying in your area, we encourage residents to sign up for the City’s Emergency Alert system.

If you would like to opt out of ground-based spraying, we are happy to accommodate you. Please contact our Environmental Health Specialist for more information: ktanz@burlesontx.com

Information about 2024

The 2024 season had a record number of West Nile positives across all of North Texas, with 81 zones (and one supplemental trap) testing positive in Burleson. 1 human case was identified.

Tarrant County Public Health reported a total of 807 positive traps and 71 human cases in the greater Tarrant County area. See the Year-End Arbovirus Report. Dallas County Public Health reported a total of 706 positive traps and 37 human cases. See the Year-End Arbovirus Report.

Find out what mosquito zone you live in

Simply type your address into the search bar below. 

Focus

The goal of spraying is to prevent human cases of West Nile Virus via mosquitoes. Though a large percentage of those infected with West Nile will have minor symptoms, a small percentage of people will develop the neuroinvasive form of the disease, which is very serious and typically requires hospitalization. More information about the illness is available here from the CDC.

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 (2-3 drops). For more information, please see our frequently asked questions about Permethrin.

Precautionary Measures

The City uses a private contractor to conduct ground-based spraying for adult mosquitoes. Although the product that is being sprayed poses 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.

Why doesn't the city spray everywhere?

Preventive spraying is not as effective as targeted spraying in reducing mosquito populations. The city works closely with Tarrant County Public Health to monitor mosquito-borne illnesses that could impact public health and to make evidence-based decisions on how to treat mosquitoes most effectively while also working to reduce the chance of developing pesticide resistance in local mosquito populations.

Preventive spraying everywhere would be incredibly costly to the city, and if pesticide resistance were to develop, the city would lose one of its best tools for managing West Nile Virus, as not all mosquitoes carry the virus. It is also important to note that the city cannot legally spray outside of its jurisdiction.

Given these factors, the city opts for more targeted and strategic interventions rather than blanket spraying to manage the risk of West Nile Virus effectively. For additional information, please contact the city's Environmental Health Specialist, Kristen Tanz, at ktanz@burlesontx.com.

Additional Resources