The flooding of Lake Grapevine because of severe flooding in May has caused an increase in the number of mosquitoes in Grapevine, according to city officials.

However, the city will not spray for nuisance mosquitoes, but will spray for disease-carrying mosquitoes. City officials stated this decision was made based on the recommendation of Tarrant County Public Heath.

Additionally, officials said by not spraying for nuisance mosquitoes it prevents the build-up of tolerance for when mosquito spraying is necessary for disease-carrying mosquitoes.

The city collects mosquito samples weekly and Tarrant County Public Health analyzes the samples for the presence of West Nile Virus and other viruses. This year, they have not collected any positive mosquito samples. Grapevine officials said they will continue to follow the Tarrant County Public Health recommendations for mosquito control.

The city, along with Tarrant County, continues to take a proactive stance to prevent the spread of any mosquito-borne illnesses. The city of Grapevine offers free mosquito larvicide (mosquito kill) “dunks” to residents to place in stagnant (standing) water around their homes. The dunks are available at no charge to Grapevine residents at the Municipal Service Center, located at 501 Shady Brook Drive.

The city of Grapevine recommends all residents follow the four Ds to limit mosquito exposure:
1. Stay indoors DUSK and DAWN
2. DRESS in long sleeves and long pants
3. Wear insect repellent containing DEET
4. DRAIN all standing water