On Thursday, Aug. 30, Myers Pest Services will be conducting preventative mosquito spraying throughout the UH main campus from approximately 8 p.m. to midnight.
The spray will be administered via cart-mounted mist system and small back-pack units. As a precautionary measure only, all staff and students on campus should remain indoors while the spraying is taking place in their immediate vicinity. The spray dissipates within five minutes.
As reported in the news, there have been confirmed cases of West Nile virus in the Houston area. Thus far, the cases have been isolated to northwest Houston. The Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services office (HCPHES) is treating most of Houston on a weekly basis. We are supplementing that with our own sprayings to help keep the mosquito population around campus as controlled as possible.
HCPHES recommends the following procedures to limit exposure to mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile virus:
- Limit your time outside at dusk (early evening) and dawn (prior to daylight). These are the times mosquitoes are most active.
- Dress in long-sleeved shirts/pants, light-colored and loose clothing.
- Apply insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
- Drain standing water from pots, containers, water dishes and bird baths.
The website for Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services contains updated maps showing confirmed cases, treatment schedules and strategies for avoiding exposure to West Nile virus. http://www.hcphes.org/hcmosquitoctrl/factsheets.htm
If you have additional questions, concerns or comments, please contact Roger Warner at rwwarner@central.uh.edu or 713-743-9671. You may also contact the Facilities Service Center at 713-743-4948.