The Health Department follows a comprehensive plan to prevent the spread of the West Nile virus, as recommended by federal, state and local public health and environmental agencies and experts.

Activities include:

• Continuous monitoring of mosquito test pool results.
• Using larvicide in stagnant bodies of water to prevent mosquito eggs from developing into adults.
• Abating or eliminating stagnant water
• Public education efforts.

Mosquitoes need stagnant water in order to breed and grow into adults. Eliminating any stagnant water can help control the population. Here are some tips:

• Repair leaky plumbing such as dripping faucets and sprinklers. Don't over water a lawn, as this can cause pockets of stagnant water to develop, particularly in low lying or poorly drained areas of the yard.
• Don't allow birdbaths, swimming pools, pet watering dishes, flowerpots and saucers or other vessels to hold water and become stagnant. Wading pools and buckets can hold water for a mosquito to lay her eggs, so store and maintain these properly.
• Fill in holes in trees with sand or mortar.
• Keep your gutters cleaned out to allow rainwater to drain properly.

The City of Richardson responds to complaints of stagnant swimming pools. The stagnant water in abandoned, unmaintained swimming pools typically contain algae/nutrients that female mosquitos value when choosing a site to lay eggs.

Health Department staff treat stagnant swimming pools with larvicide to prevent mosquito eggs from developing into adults. The extended release larvicide used is effective for up to 150 days and does not affect other species of wildlife. These treated locations are identified with a sign posted nearby, most likely on the fence around the swimming pool.

Improperly maintained swimming pools (public OR private) can be reported to the Health Department by calling 972-744-4080 during regular business hours.

Residents are encouraged to report any large accumulations stagnant water or any stagnant swimming pools in their neighborhood. To report, please call the Health Department at 972-744-4080 during regular business hours, or send us an e-mail at any time.
Report Stagnant Water

The City of Richardson Health Department uses several products during the mosquito abatement process. To learn more about these products, visit the Products Used page.