The summer months are right around the corner, and in the last few years, mosquitoes, along with scorching temperatures, have become synonymous with North Texas summers.

But in the Park Cities, officials are working hard—and early—to combat a West Nile virus problem in 2013. Both Highland Park and University Park are teaming up for a mosquito control campaign, cleverly named “Fight the Bite,” to educate residents and battle the flying pests. 

The West Nile virus is a disease spread whenever an infected mosquito bites a human or animal. Mosquitoes become West Nile-ridden when they feed on the blood of infected birds.

According to Dallas County Health and Human Services, there were 18 confirmed West Nile-related deaths in the county in 2012.

The Town of Highland Park had a high concentration of West Nile last year, with at least six cases on the books out of the 385-plus instances of the virus in Dallas County, the Dallas-based NBC affiliate reported. 

Despite the outbreak, the City of University Park’s Community Information Officer, Steve Mace, said University Park was one of North Texas’ most proactive cities last summer in terms of fighting against mosquitoes.

“We began truck-fogging in early May and began free property inspections in June [of 2012],” Mace said.

The City plans to follow a similar protocol this spring and summer, fogging streets and alleys by truck as well as placing traps around the Park Cities so that health experts can monitor mosquitoes. The goal is to try to reduce mosquito populations as much as possible before they develop wings and become infected with the virus. 

“We will work closely with the County and quickly announce any positive tests for West Nile (human or mosquito),” he said. 

Members of the City’s Park Department will be available for complimentary property inspections throughout the season. The City hopes its online presence, which will display facts on mosquito control products and methods of conserving water (standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes), will add another layer of awareness for Park Cities residents.

On top of the joint effort being made by the sister cities, Mace said City staff, local Boy Scouts, and volunteers plan to distribute “Fight the Bite” door hangers on Saturday, March 16. 

“The door hanger lists simple steps residents can take to control mosquito breeding,” Mace said.

Some University Park Youth Advisory Commission members and volunteers even shot a public service announcement last month. The PSA will show residents where water tends to collect in lawns and alleys, and it will be displayed on the City’s homepage once complete.

Both Mace and Highland Park Public Information Officer Sgt. Lance Koppa stressed that the city governments need the help of Park Cities residents in order to run a successful anti-West Nile campaign. The battle against mosquitoes technically lasts from May to October, with August being the peak month of mosquito season, but the educational part of the campaign is year-round in the Park Cities.

Eliminating standing water is the most important step in reducing, and eliminating, mosquito populations, Mace said.

So, what can homeowners expect in terms of water usage and mosquitoes for the summer?

“You can maintain a healthy lawn without overwatering. This reduces runoff and standing water,” UP's public information officer said. 

From April 1 to October 31, residents are prohibited from watering with automatic sprinkler systems between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., as in years past.

“It’s important for us to have a cooperative effort with the community,” Koppa said. “[Fight the Bite] is definitely a team effort.”