Joan Carr

Public Information Officer

Shelby County Health Department

814 Jefferson Avenue, Rm 502D

Memphis , TN 38105

Office (901) 222-9010

Mosquito Control Activities Scheduled for Week of September 21, 2020

SHELBY COUNTY, TN – The Shelby County Health Department’s Mosquito Control Program routinely traps and tests mosquitoes for the presence of West Nile virus (WNV). Mosquitoes positive for the West Nile Virus have been identified in the following zip codes in Shelby County: 38016, 38053, 38107, 38108, 38109, 38115, 38122, 38126, 38128, 38133, 38134, 38135, and 38141. Mosquitoes positive for West Nile Virus were newly identified this week in zip codes: 38104, 38106, 38119, 38117, and 38125. See map: http://arcg.is/0fS8Pz.

Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile Virus to humans when they bite them. Residents of zip codes listed above where the virus has been detected are advised to be especially careful to avoid mosquito bites. Remain indoors when mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. If you must be outside, use insect repellents containing DEET and wear long sleeves and long pants.

Since February, the Shelby County Health Department’s Mosquito Control Program has treated areas by applying larvicides to standing bodies of water. These actions are consistent with efforts to be proactive in decreasing the adult mosquito population. Larviciding is the practice of applying an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insecticide to areas where mosquito breeding has been confirmed. It is the most effective way of eliminating mosquito populations. Please view our ArcGIS story map that details our mosquito control prevention work.

SCHD will conduct mosquito control activities, including truck-mounted spraying (adulticiding) of EPA-approved insecticides, weather permitting*, in specific ZIP codes where the West Nile virus has been detected, and portions of adjoining zip codes, according to the following schedule:

Monday, September 21, 2020:
7:45 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
Zip Codes: 38108, 38122, 38128, 38134
Route Map: http://arcg.is/1bT91j 

Tuesday, September 22, 2020:
7:45 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
Zip Codes: 38119, 38115, 38125, 38016
Route Map: http://arcg.is/1LuLmv0

Wednesday, September 23, 2020:
7:45 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
Zip Codes: 38109, 38116
Route Map: http://arcg.is/1vS8aK

Thursday, September 24, 2020:
7:45 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
Zip Codes: 38104, 38114, 38111, 38112, 38106, 38126, 38117, 38152
Route Map: http://arcg.is/8D4uq

Go to www.shelbytnhealth.com to view the most current schedule and the exact boundaries of each scheduled spray. New maps will be added weekly to reflect updated schedules.

Truck mounted spraying only effectively kills adult mosquitoes currently flying at the time the insecticide is sprayed. Because of this, residents are highly encouraged to be vigilant as it relates to controlling mosquito populations around their homes and businesses and preventing mosquito bites. Individuals are encouraged to practice the 4 D’s:

· DEFEND yourself by using insect repellent with DEET. Follow label instructions.

· DRESS in long sleeves and pants. Wear loose and light-colored clothing when outdoors.

· DUSK/DAWN is the time when mosquitoes are most active. Stay indoors.

· DRAIN standing water and install or repair window screens.

Individuals with chronic health problems such as asthma or other lung conditions may want to remain indoors during the time of spraying. Citizens who do not want their residences to be sprayed should contact the Vector Control Program by emailing Vector.Control@shelbycountytn.gov or calling (901) 222-9715.

* To ensure the insecticide is most effective, the scheduled spraying will be canceled if any of the following weather conditions are present for the majority of the schedule spray time:

• Rain chance of 65% or greater
• Wind speeds 11mph or greater
• Temperature less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit

Follow @ShelbyTNHealth on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for the most up-to-date cancelations of any scheduled sprayings.

-End-