Despite the low amounts of rainfall so far this month, areas of high mosquito activity have already been identified. City of Arlington neighborhood service officials are advising residents to start eliminating mosquito-breeding areas.

Officials identified 58 cases of mosquito-borne West Nile virus in Tarrant County last year. The cases involved five birds, four humans, three mosquitoes and forty-six horses. The virus can cause encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. Those most at risk are the elderly and those with a weakened immune system.

The City of Arlington Neighborhood Services Department continues to monitor mosquito populations in partnership with Tarrant County and is working with various City departments to identify and address local problem areas. Even with all of this activity, residents must still do their part by taking action to prevent mosquito populations from breeding around their homes.

Preventing mosquitoes before they hatch is the key to protecting humans from the possibility of mosquito-borne diseases, explains Neighborhood Services Director Trey Yelverton. Eradication of adult mosquitoes is costly and ineffective. For this reason, residents are being advised to act now to prevent mosquitoes before they become a problem.

If it becomes necessary, the City of Arlington is prepared to spray for mosquitoes. Residents can immediately protect themselves and their families by following the "Four D's:"

1. Dusk and dawn are the times of day to stay indoors. This is when mosquitoes are most active.
2. Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors. For extra protection, spray thin clothing with repellent.
3. DEET is an ingredient to look for in insect repellent. Always wear repellent when outdoors, and choose products that contain up to 20 percent DEET. Be sure to follow product instructions, especially when using repellants on children.
4. Drain standing water in the yard and neighborhood where mosquitoes can breed. This includes flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, etc. Mosquitoes can develop in water stagnant for more than three or four days.