Controlling mosquito populations and reducing the risk for West Nile virus must be done on several fronts—education and prevention are at the forefront of those efforts. The city participates in the Tarrant County Mosquito Surveillance Program. 

The city’s primary defense in combating mosquitoes will be our larvicide program. It has proven to be an effective method for treating mosquito-prone areas, without causing any harmful effects to people. We use this to treat public areas.

If requested, city crews will treat a given location—especially a vacant house with a pool, pond, etc.-with the larvicide briquettes. Requests can be made through the mosquito control program manager at 817.503.1090.

The City of Colleyville works with the Tarrant County Public Health Department to reduce the impact that mosquitoes have on the residents of Colleyville. Please watch the video to learn how you can reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home. A little work now will make your outdoor activities more enjoyable this spring and summer.

Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM)

Mosquito spraying or adulticide shouldn’t be the first line of defense against mosquitoes. Health authorities have concurred it is a less effective means of protection against mosquito-borne illness. However, if the problem progresses and there is a need for mitigation beyond surveillance and larvacide, the city may choose to exercise a spraying option.

Mosquito control is best performed using the Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM)concept. Mosquito control can be divided into two areas of responsibility - individual and public.

Public spraying to control mosquitoes is only one of many pest control methods used for effective long-term mosquito control. The reduction, elimination, or treatment of mosquito breeding areas is the best and most cost-effective technique for mosquito control.

Mosquito Control Around the Home

The most important thing citizens can do to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile virus is to eliminate mosquito-breeding areas around the home and limit exposure to feeding mosquitoes.

• Do not allow water to accumulate in the saucers of flowerpots, or in pet dishes for more than two days
• Get rid of old tires, buckets, unused plastic swimming pools, or other containers that collect and hold water
• Clean debris from rain gutters, remove standing water from flat roofs, and repair leaks around faucets and air conditioners
• Change the water in birdbaths and wading pools at least once a week
• Fill or drain puddles, ditches and swampy areas
• Check for trapped water in tarps used to cover boats or pools, and arrange the tarp to drain the water

Three D's

Up to 80 percent of people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms and will recover on their own; however, some cases can cause serious illness or death. People over 50 and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of becoming ill if they become infected with the virus.

The best defense is to practice these habits, known as the "Three Ds":

1. Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
2. Dress in long sleeves and long pants when you are outside.
3. Drain standing water where mosquitoes breed. Common breeding sites include old tires, flowerpots and clogged rain gutters.

West Nile Virus

In most humans, West Nile virus infection causes a mild or moderate, short-lived flu-like illness, or causes no symptoms at all. However, in some cases, particularly among persons 50 years of age and older, it can cause serious neurological diseases such as encephalitis, meningitis, or paralysis.