- Home
- City Government
- Departments
- Public Works
- Mosquito Control
Mosquito Control
The City of Bedford works with the Tarrant County Public Health Department (TCPH) in a county-wide mosquito surveillance program. All participating cities, including Bedford, set out mosquito traps in strategic locations, collect samples of mosquitoes, and deliver them to the TCPH laboratory for testing of West Nile Virus and St. Louis Encephalitis. Each week, five mosquito traps are set within City limits. If a mosquito pool tests positive, the city is notified and action is taken to inform the public. If TCPH discovers a human case within City limits, staff will inform the public to take special precautions to protect themselves. Test results are posted on the TCPH's interactive map.
The City of Bedford's Stormwater Division is responsible for surveying drainage areas for the presence of mosquito larvae and treating areas as needed on a monthly basis. If mosquito larvae are found, they will treat the stagnate water with products such as CoCo Bear (derived from coconut oil), Naturalar G30, or Vectolex CG granules. Any areas with live fish are not treated because the fish eat mosquito larvae. Creeks are stocked as needed with minnows from the health department to assist in mosquito control. Minnows are not distributed to the public.
For more information on the City's efforts to control mosquitoes, please review the 2022 Integrated Mosquito Management Program.
-
Chris Techau
Streets and Drainage SuperintendentPhone: 817-952-2250
Mosquito Inspections
The City offers on-site mosquito inspections for Bedford residents. Staff will conduct a survey of the resident's property, locate any mosquito hot spots, and provide flyers and feedback on ways to reduce mosquito population. To schedule an on-site inspection, please call Public Works at 817-952-2200.
Mosquito Prevention Tips
Adult flying mosquitoes frequently rest in grass, shrubbery, or other foliage. It is the young mosquitoes who need standing water to develop. Mosquitoes breed and multiply in any water that lasts more than four days. Eliminating places where mosquitoes can breed is the best way to control them.
Here are some additional suggestions to prevent mosquitoes breeding conditions around your home and yard:
- Check your property for standing water. Check the saucers under potted plants, roof gutters, flat roofs, old tires, toys, garbage cans and dumpsters, anything that might hold water and not be emptied out regularly.
- Clean and change the water regularly (several times per week) in birdbaths, wading pools, pet dishes, and planters
- Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets
- Put mosquito-eating fish in ponds
- Treat any standing water that can't be drained with BTI-available at most home and garden stores.
- Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most likely to be out and about, and use an insect repellent containing DEET to help prevent mosquito bites.
Review the Mosquito Checklist and go on a Mosquito Safari for an interactive learning experience.
- What is West Nile Virus?
-
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a potentially serious virus, most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. WNV can cause fever, inflammation of the brain, the lining of the brain, and the spinal cord. WNV can be transmitted year-round in Texas.
- What are the symptoms of WNV?
-
- There are no symptoms in majority of those who contact WNV. Up to 80 percent of people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms.
- Febrile illness - About 20 percent of infected people will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. Most people with this type of WNV disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
- Severe symptoms occur in less than one percent of infected people. These individuals develop inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues. The symptoms of neurologic illness can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, or paralysis.
- How does WNV spread?
-
WNV often spreads by the bite of an infected mosquito. In a very small number of cases, WNV also has been spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding, and pregnancy. WNV is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person infected with the virus.
- What happens if a trap tests positive for WNV?
-
The first positive test for WNV will be monitored by City crews and within 24 hours, crews will use adulticiding, a type of insecticide used to kill adult mosquitoes, in addition to the City’s normal larviciding program. As part of adulticiding, crews will use foggers in creek banks and City parks in the quarter-mile area where a positive trap is found. Prior to this taking place, residents will be notified via the City's social media channels and on the City's website to alert them of the fogging and positive test.
- Is there a vaccine available to protect people from WNV?
-
Currently, there is no WNV vaccine available.
- How soon do people get sick after getting bitten by an infected mosquito?
-
The incubation period is usually two to six days but ranges from two to 14 days.
- Who is at risk for serious illness if infected with WNV?
-
Cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease patients are at a greater risk.
- What is the treatment for WNV disease?
-
Pain relievers can reduce fever and relieve some symptoms. People with milder symptoms typically recover on their own. In more severe cases, patients often hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.
- How can people reduce the chance of getting infected?
-
To reduce your risk of getting the WNV:
- Use DEET-based insect repellents when outdoors.
- Wear long sleeves and pants at dusk, dawn, and during the day when mosquitoes are most active.
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors and make sure they are bug-tight.
- Check your property for standing water. Check the saucers under potted plants, roof gutters, flat roofs, old tires, toys, garbage cans and dumpsters, anything that might hold water and not be emptied out regularly.
- Clean and change the water regularly (several times per week) in birdbaths, wading pools, pet dishes, and planters.
- Treat any standing water that can't be drained with BTI-available at most home and garden stores.