The Richardson Health Department began steps to combat the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus in April.

The mosquito traps that were distributed last month will be monitored through the end of October for West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses, according to Richardson's Environmental Resources Newsletter.

If a trap tests positive for West Nile or some other mosquito-borne illness, the city has the option of spraying for mosquitoes this summer. However, the city could also decide to spray if a resident is diagnosed with the virus.

The health department schedules West Nile virus spraying during overnight hours to limit exposure to people who may wish to avoid contact with the pesticide used to control mosquito populations, according to the newsletter. Spraying typically begins after 9 p.m. and ends by 4:30 a.m. with targeted neighborhoods being sprayed twice.

The newsletter states residents can help protect themselves from mosquitoes by following these safety precautions:

• Drain standing water.
• Avoid being out at dusk and dawn.
• Dress in long sleeves and pants.
• Apply insect repellent containing the chemical DEET or other effective repellents all day every day.

For those looking to protect their homes, the newsletter states residents can apply commercially available pesticides, according to their labels, to areas such as shrubs, under raised decks and around storage areas that could harbor mosquitoes.

For more information or to sign up for a mosquito spraying email list, visit www.cor.net/mosquito.