August 16, 2006

MOSQUITO CONTROL

West Texas received some much needed rain, however, with the rain comes the possibility of an increasing mosquito population.   

The City of Midland is doing its part to control the mosquito population this summer.  Citizens are also being asked to take a few precautions to help eliminate the unwanted pest.

Parks Division staff fog for mosquitoes early in the morning when wind is at a minimum.  They also put pellets, larvicide, in standing water to prevent the mosquito larvae from maturing.

Citizens are asked to assist in the control of mosquitoes by following a few simple tips: 

It usually takes ten days following a plentiful rain for mosquito larvae to develop into mosquitoes. 

Citizens can call the Health Department at 681-7613 to file a complaint about mosquitoes in their neighborhood.

Media Contact: Sal Garcia/Health and Senior Services Administrator at 681.7645

RAINY DAYS PERFECT FOR CONSERVING WATER

West Texas received some much needed rainfall this weekend.  The moisture naturally helps everything look greener. The City of Midland is doing all it can to help conserve water, especially during times when watering may be unnecessary.

All 44 City parks now have rain shut-off valves.  They alert the sprinklers to turn-off when rainfall reaches ¼” or more.  Once the water evaporates, the sprinkler system comes back on.  The shut-off valves help to manage water and irrigation without having a person on hand to manually monitor.  This allows the Parks Division to conserve as much water as possible. 

The City hopes it can be an example for residents.  Homeowners can practice this at home by manually shutting off their sprinkler systems during rainy days to help save money on their utility bill while conserving water for future use.  Bermuda grass typically needs 1” a week.

Approximately 60% of Midland’s water usage is for outdoor purposes.

Media contact: Scott Swigert/Parks & Recreation Manager at 685.7370 

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