PHOTO: Parks & Recreation will give away free mosquito dunks (one per household) starting June 20 at the Victoria Community Center and the Parks & Recreation administration office located in Riverside Park.
Parks & Recreation staff have been buzzing around Victoria’s public areas to treat standing water with mosquito dunks before the bloodsuckers grow big enough to bite—and staff are encouraging residents to do the same on their own properties.
Parks & Recreation will give away free mosquito dunks (one per household) starting June 20 at the Victoria Community Center and the Parks & Recreation administration office located in Riverside Park.
The mosquito dunks, which dissolve in water, contain a type of bacteria that kills mosquito larvae. The dunks are not toxic to fish or other animals.
“Mosquito dunks are a powerful preventive measure in reducing the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses,” said Parks & Recreation Director Lisa Wube. “We are looking forward to meeting with residents to provide them with the dunks, answer any questions they may have and educate them about how they can play an active role in mosquito prevention.”
Mosquito dunks can be purchased at most hardware stores.
What else is Parks & Recreation doing?
When Parks & Recreation staff receive reports of mosquitos, they may visit the area or ask questions to determine whether spraying is needed or whether the solution is something simpler, such as unclogging a drain or pouring out standing water.
In addition to targeted spraying in problem areas, staff monitor the weather and other factors to predict when an outbreak will occur so that the spraying can begin before reports come in.
Parks & Recreation is on high alert due to the tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall to our region. Once the rain subsides, staff will use mosquito dunks to kill any larvae that appear, and they will spray the entire city starting 7-10 days later to kill any mosquitos that manage to make it to adulthood.
Citywide spraying is only used to prevent severe outbreaks. Otherwise, staff focus on simpler measures such as placing mosquito dunks, mowing the grass and educating the public about proper prevention.
How can I report a mosquito problem in my area?
To report mosquitos within city limits, contact Parks & Recreation at 361-485-3200 or parks@victoriatx.gov, or use the Victoria Texas 311 app. If you live outside of city limits, contact Victoria County at 361-578-6281 ext. 3400.
More prevention tips
Parks & Recreation encourages residents to take the following measures:
- Remove or cover containers that could hold water.
- Fill in or drain puddles, ruts and tree hollows.
- Keep gutters and culverts clean so that rainwater can drain properly.
- Change the water in birdbaths, wading pools, etc. at least once each week.
- Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well-trimmed to prevent adult mosquitos from resting.
Stay connected
To learn more about Parks & Recreation’s integrated mosquito management program, visit www.victoriatx.gov/mosquito.