As warmer weather sweeps through North Texas, so does the buzz of an unwelcome intruder - the mosquito. The City of Arlington is pulling out all the stops to ensure the community remains free of these pesky critters. With a strategy aimed at nipping the mosquito population in the bud, residents can look forward to a bite-free season.

From now until November, Arlington will have traps dotted across the city, capturing mosquitos for testing. According to the City of Arlington, Texas, Tarrant County Public Health is on the lookout for disease bearers, specifically testing for the West Nile and St. Louis Encephalitis Viruses. If any mosquito comes back positive, it's showtime for Arlington's vector control, conduct, and ground spraying within a specific radius of the trap site over two evenings.

The city isn't just reactive; it's proactive too. They keep a close eye on stagnant water, those perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes, deploying larvicide wherever these pesky larvae plan to hatch. For added impact, targeted ground spraying is on the agenda again this year. Executed under the veil of night between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., this spraying schedule aims to knock down adult mosquitos hopefully, before they can crash your weekend BBQ.

Residents need not fret about the chemical cocktails; Arlington uses a water-based permethrin solution, friendly to both pets and plants. "No specific risks to animals or the environment," are expected, according to the city's announcement, so folks can breathe easy—well, except for those with sensitivities or breathing conditions who might want to hunker down indoors during the late-night spray sessions. With the approach of dawn, the pesticide dissipates leaving no trace behind.

But it's not just about spraying and praying. The City of Arlington in collaboration with Tarrant County Public Health is spreading the word on how to stay safe from mosquito bites. A squirt of DEET-filled repellent could save your skin and don't skimp on the long sleeves and pants when venturing into the great outdoors. And, of course, draining standing water—think flowerpots, rain gutters, and old tires—is crucial in the fight against these winged nuisances.

If you need to get hip to the beat on ground spraying or report a swampy mosquito rave, the City of Arlington's Action Center is the place to call at 817-459-6777. You can also download the Ask Arlington app to stay updated on all things mosquito, including ground spraying notifications. Don't be bitten by ignorance; arm yourself with knowledge to enjoy a safer, mosquito-free season.