Georgetown spraying for mosquitoes following positive West Nile virus sample

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The city of Georgetown said there would be truck-mounted sprayers in use for mosquitoes near Edwards Park on Thursday and Friday.

This response followed a positive West Nile virus sample collected Sept. 27 from mosquito trap sites in Edwards Park, located at 704 Ash Street, according to city officials.

“Although the mosquito control product poses no significant health risk, if possible, people and pets may want to stay indoors during spraying,” the city said.

The spraying would be conducted in the evenings, and according to the city, the insecticide will reduce the adult mosquito population in the area.

So far this year, 63 mosquito trap samples in Williamson County have tested positive for West Nile virus, and one reported human case of the virus.

What you can do

“The most important way to prevent West Nile virus is to reduce the number of mosquitoes where people live, work, and play,” the city said. ”Health officials strongly encourage everyone to protect themselves from mosquito bites and prevent mosquito breeding on their personal property.”

The city said protective and preventative measures include:

• Draining all sources of standing water
• Using an EPA-registered insect repellent
• Dressing in long sleeves and pants when outdoors
• Treating standing water with EPA-approved larvicides