Bella Vista
BELLA VISTA November 2012
Bulletin
Official Publication of the Bella Vista Homeowners Association
Volume 4, Issue 11
City Asking Residents, Businesses And Home Owners Associations To Remove Standing Water Recent rains provide breeding conditions for mosquitoes, West Nile Virus Recent heavy rainfall was a welcome relief to the Central Texas drought. However, the standing water left over from the rains is an ideal habitat for mosquitoes to lay eggs which will grow into larvae and eventually new mosquitoes which can carry West Nile Virus. In light of recent reports of mosquitoes carrying WNV in Texas and a WNV death in Williamson County, the City of Cedar Park is asking all residents, businesses home owners associations to please inspect their properties for standing water and remove it right away. “It is very important that citizens do their part to eliminate any potential mosquito breeding grounds,” Cedar Park Emergency Management Coordinator Michael Clanton says. “West Nile Virus should be taken seriously, and it is important that everyone does their part to keep the community safe.” Places to look include wheelbarrows, rain gutters, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other containers where mosquitoes can breed. The Williamson County and Cities Health District also recommends taking the following steps to eliminate stagnant water:
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• Empty and change the water in pet drinking bowls, bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays every 4 to 5 days to destroy potential mosquito habitats • Drain or fill temporary pools of water with dirt • Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating • Clean out rain gutters • Remove discarded tires or keep them dry and covered • Add an aerator to ponds and water gardens or add fish that will eat mosquitos and larvae • Remove debris (leaves, twigs, trash) from ditches and low areas • Fill in ruts and holes that collect standing water For areas where standing water cannot be removed, the City asks residents and business owners to add the bacterial agent Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which may be purchased at most home improvement stores. Bt is a naturally occurring disease of insects that is commonly used to treat stagnant water for mosquitoes. To report potential mosquito habitats such as stagnant water ponds, abandoned swimming pools, or discarded tires, please call the City of Cedar Park’s Code Enforcement Division at 512-401-5206. The City also recommends that everyone avoid mosquito stings and West Nile Virus by wearing insect repellant and long sleeved shirts with long pants outdoors, and stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Bella Vista Bulletin - November 2012
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