West Nile Virus & Mosquito Control

Mosquito Control Practices

The Coppell Environmental Health Department staff conducts mosquito control activities year-round, but increases those efforts from April through October - the most active mosquito season in North Texas. The Health Department works along with the Texas Department of State Health Services, Dallas County Health and Human Services Department, and area health departments to conduct surveillance and testing of the mosquito population for diseases including West Nile Virus. The Environmental Health Department will continue to protect the health and well-being of residents through surveillance, control, education, research, and technology to prevent and control mosquito-borne diseases.

Mosquito Trapping

Mosquito trapping begins in the spring, and continues until mosquito activity decreases, typically early fall. The trapped mosquitoes are sent to a laboratory where they are tested for the presence of West Nile Virus. Spraying activity will begin when notification is received that there is a positive mosquito sample of West Nile Virus.

Spraying For Mosquitoes

During the mosquito trapping season, the Environmental Health Department receives notification on Mondays around noon regarding the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquito traps. Spraying will be conducted on Monday and Tuesday between the hours of 9 pm and 5 am in areas where mosquitoes have tested positive for WNV. As a precaution, when spraying takes place in your neighborhood residents are recommended to stay indoors. The purpose of spraying is to reduce the infected mosquito population, thus reducing the risk to residents and animals.

For more information, read the Mosquito Control Spraying Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).

Protect Yourself Against Mosquito Borne Illnesses

Take every precaution to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Remember the "4 Ds": Defend, Dress, Dusk and Dawn, and Drain.

• Defend yourself by applying insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or PMD. Use repellent all day, every day.
• Dress in long sleeves and pants.
• Stay indoors at dusk and dawn.
• Drain all stagnant water in your yard.

Additionally, you should protect your home by using screens to keep mosquitoes outside. Use air conditioning when possible.

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 outdoor containers that can hold water, cleaning rain gutters, and maintaining swimming and ornamental pools you can stop the mosquito life cycle in its tracks. Learn how to get rid of mosquitoes around your home (PDF).