September 1, 2008

City to Spray for Mosquitoes

There has been a case of West Nile Virus confirmed in our area. The city will be spraying for mosquitoes on Thursday night, September 4 between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.

I received a call from a representative of the Texas Honeybee Association tonight. He was very concerned because spraying will kill honeybees and other beneficial insects. Honeybees perform many useful functions in our ecosystem. They pollinate our flowers and crops. Their numbers have been declining recently and their reduced numbers may be an indication of a harmed environment.

If you do not want the city to spray your yard and house, call 214-948-4429 or 214-670-1733. They will not spray your house or the two adjacent houses. The area the city will be spraying is basically north of I-30, and includes Beacon Street, Carroll Ave., Abrams, Junius, Swiss, and Gaston, i.e., much of Junius Heights.

The chemical is a toxic substance but the city claims it will break down and leave no residue. However, residents are advised to avoid contact with the spray. If there is contact with the spray, it should immediately be washed with soap and water. Pets should be brought inside and ponds should be covered.

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Since we don’t have a natural source of water close by, much of the mosquito population in JH is sustained by stale water that our man-made environment produces: flower pots, old tires, collected run-off from an air conditioner system, etc. Please check to make sure you or your neighbor do not have any stagnant water on your property.

Scam Artist Back at Work

The East Dallas scam artist has been back at work. This weekend, Saturday, August 30, an anglo man fitting the earlier description, parked his pickup on Parkmont Street and asked for money from a resident because he had just moved in to 712 Parkmont, his wife was out of gas, and he needed to borrow money.

As before, he gave a fictious address (there is no 712 Parkmont). Unlike earlier times, he began quite agitated when the resident refused his panderings.

Once again, here is a description of the man:

Anglo, about 35-40 years old, about 5’9” and usually claims to be a new neighbor in distress. Drives a big dark pick-up with the license number 73M YN3. Lately he has been badgering people in their driveways.

Please be aware of your surroundings at all times.