Montgomery County Mosquito Abatement confirmed that a sample of mosquitoes from a surveillance site in The Woodlands Township within South Montgomery County has tested positive for West Nile virus.

No reports of human illness in Montgomery County have been filed with Texas Department of State Health Services at this time.

In response, The Woodlands Township and Montgomery County Mosquito Abatement team launched the action protocol recommended by Texas Department of State Health Services that includes larviciding, spraying of select storm drains and targeted street spraying. Additional surveillance to identify breeding sites will also be conducted.

“Although Zika is on everyone’s mind and receiving most of the media attention, The Woodlands Township is still monitoring and responding to West Nile virus,” reports John Geiger, manager of Environmental Services for The Woodlands Township. “Personal protective measures that target the Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito, carrier of West Nile are equally effective against the Aedes albopictus that spreads Zika and other diseases.”

Residents are urged to use mosquito repellent when outside.

Current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control expands the list of effective mosquito repellents. In addition to DEET products, the agency recommends a plant-based repellent, oil of lemon eucalyptus, as well as those containing, picaridin, IR3535 and para-menthane-diol as the active ingredient.

Decrease the number of mosquitoes on property by monitoring and eliminating all sources of standing water. French drains, water meter boxes, bird baths and plant saucers hold water and can become breeding sites. Remove debris and dump any container that holds water. Treat standing water that cannot be drained with a biological larvacide, such as Mosquito Dunks® or bits. These products are available at local hardware and home improvement stores.

For more information about selecting a repellent and eliminating breeding sites, please visit the Township website at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/mosquitoinfo. To schedule a presentation about reducing mosquitoes for neighborhoods or groups, please call The Woodlands Township Environmental Services at 281-210-3800.

Photo: Residents are urged to protect themselves and family from mosquito bites. Limit outdoor activity from dusk to dawn when disease-carrying mosquitoes are most active. If required to be outside, wear long, loose, light-colored clothing and use a repellent.