Mosquito Control

University Park follows accepted IPM (Integrated Pest Management) guidelines consisting of monitoring, trapping, larviciding and adulticiding. To target mosquitoes during peak daily activity, protect beneficial insects and limit exposure for outdoor pets and residents who have sensitivities, fogging is conducted during the overnight hours.  Mosquito control efforts generally run from April to October.

The Park Cities are known for lush landscaped yards, beautiful tree cover, and many streams and ponds. These elements provide breeding areas for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but can also pose a threat to public health. The biggest concern of potential mosquito-borne diseases is West Nile virus. 

Traps and Testing

During mosquito season the City places traps throughout the community to monitor mosquito counts and activity.  Generally the traps are near schools and parks.  City personnel check all traps on a weekly basis.  Collected mosquitoes are sent to one of two area labs, Dallas County or Municipal Mosquito.  The labs sort, identify and test the samples for West Nile, Dengue, Chickungunya and Zika viruses.

Here is a map showing the location of mosquito traps in University Park. 

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Free Mosquito Dunks

During mosquito season the City provides mosquito dunks (two to a pack) to UP residents who stop by City Hall (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - 3800 University Blvd.).  To receive the product you must show proof of residency (driver license).  Mosquito dunks will be provided, one pack to each resident, until the supply is gone.  This same product can be purchased at garden centers.
 
Mosquito dunks look like a small, beige donut. They float in standing water. As the dunk slowly dissolves, it releases a bacterium which is toxic to all species of mosquito larvae. Dunks can be used in fish ponds, birdbaths, flower pots, rain barrels or any place where water collects and remains for a period of time. The dunks kill mosquito larvae before they grow to become biting and disease-spreading adults. The product is harmless to other living things. Each dunk is effective for a 30-day period.

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Mosquito control is a joint effort with both the homeowner and the City's Parks Department. 

To Help Control Mosquitoes in Your Neighborhood Take the Following Steps:

1.  

2. Eliminate Any Stagnant or Standing Water:

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4. This can be found in birdbaths, non-circulating fish or lily ponds, plant saucers, low areas in your lawn, and around outdoor water faucets, etc.
5.  

6. Be Mindful of the Amount of Water Placed on Your Lawn: 

• Allow the top of the soil to dry out before watering again. Reprogram your irrigation controller based on the temperature and rainfall.
• Cover exposed soil with cedar or cypress mulch if possible.
• Clean out decomposed leaf matter from your storm gutters.
• Keep any unnecessary plant growth cut back.

If you notice yards or other landscaped areas with an abundance of mosquitoes, or spot standing water call the Parks and Recreation Department at 214-987-5488.

Property Inspections and Evaluations

Department personnel will inspect your property for free and provide additional advice on how to control mosquitoes.  Call 214-987-5488 to arrange an inspection.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) & Zika Virus

Dallas County Health and Human Services - Mosquito Prevention