The battle against the buzzing villains of summer has commenced, with the Health Department taking up arms in the form of traps and sprays to safeguard residents from the West Nile virus. According to the City of Richardson, Texas, these measures will stretch from the bloom of April to the wane of October, blanket-covering 12 areas across the City.

Each week, mosquito traps laid by the Health Department are collected, and if any are found carrying the West Nile virus, the surrounding areas are promptly subjected to a spray schedule, the spray sessions are planned to kick off post dusk at 9 p.m. to skate over the hours most folks are out and about, ideally wrapping up by the witching hour of 4 a.m., or at latest, half an hour past then.

Resident concerns over pest control safety measures have not gone unheeded, the Department ensures that spraying is mindful of folks preferring to sidestep pesticide contact. Spraying for West Nile virus is bumped to the night-time to reduce human exposure and is penciled in twice for affected spots, typically on back-to-back nights of Wednesday and Thursday.

Weather holds a red card over the spray plans—downpours, winds over a brisk 10 mph, or a chill dropping below 50 degrees could mean a postponement or cancellation, giving residents a temporary respite from the pesticide's reach but also from the much-needed mosquito crackdown.

To fend off mosquito-borne nuisances without waiting on the Health Department, the "Four D's" come recommended: Draining any standing water, dodging the outdoors during dusk and dawn, donning long sleeves and pants, and dutifully applying insect repellent with DEET or similar forearm sealants notes the City of Richardson, Texas. Homeowners with a Do-It-Yourself streak can hit up their mosquito hideouts with approved pesticides, treating their shrubs, groundcover, and other such nooks and crannies at their discretion.