Spraying activity in the City of Coppell will commence when positive cases of West Nile Virus are received.  The City of Coppell uses Aqualuer 20-20 when spraying for mosquitoes.  The active chemical agent is Aqualuer is permethrin.  For more information on Permethrin, click here.  Aqualuer is diluted in water and is applied with a vehicle mounted Ultra Low Volume (ULV) sprayer.  The product is applied at rates not to exceed 0.007 pounds of permethrin per acre, or 4 fluid ounces of mixed formulations per acre with the truck driving at 10 mph.   Application during the cool hours of the early morning or night is preferable.  The City of Coppell sprays between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. 
 

Mosquitoes are cold-blooded insects and are incapable of regulating body heat.  Their temperature is essentially the same as their surroundings. Mosquitoes function best at 80-degrees Fahrenheit, become lethargic at 60-degrees Fahrenheit and cannot function below 50-degrees Fahrenheit.
 

Spraying is a temporary fix and only works if the chemical actually comes in contact with the mosquito.  If a mosquito is located under a leaf, in a hole or in the bushes, the spray will not make contact with the insect, rendering the spraying effort ineffective.  Since mosquitoes are not active and flying below the 60-degree threshold, spraying will not eliminate them.
 

Spraying is an option but by no means is it a permanent fix.  When the weather allows, areas can be sprayed.  This will help to eliminate some, but not all of the mosquitoes.  The optimum climate conditions for spraying include wind speeds of 10 mph or below and a temperature above 60-degrees Fahrenheit.  In addition, spraying will not take place prior to or right after a rainfall. 
 

The City of Coppell Environmental Health Department invites you to join us in our fight to keep Coppell free from the threat of West Nile Virus, and other mosquito-borne diseases. When warmer weather comes again you can make a very real difference simply by regularly inspecting your yard or property for areas or artificial containers like tires, pools, buckets, and rain gutters where transient water may collect and provide a perfect habitat for mosquito eggs and larva.  If you think there is nothing you can do to reduce mosquito populations and to help yourself and your neighbors, think again. Your efforts are probably the most important aspect of mosquito control.
 

Texas climate is always unpredictable and temperatures vary throughout the seasons.  As a result, mosquito season in Texas is year-round.  The Environmental Health Department's goal is to begin reducing mosquito populations as early in the season as possible. By eliminating containers, cleaning rain gutters, and maintaining swimming and ornamental pools you can stop the mosquito life cycle in its tracks, and it’s not too late this year to identify sheltered places which mosquitoes may use to hibernate. By naturally reducing mosquito populations you also help to limit the amount of chemical pesticides needed to combat this serious threat to public health. The plain truth is: Your actions matter.
 

It is important to continue practicing source reduction strategies to help eliminate standing/stagnant water from containers and low-lying areas in and around your home and business.  For more information contact the City of Coppell Environmental Health Office by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 972-462-5177.