By Scott Harvey
Commerce – The City of Commerce will again implement its annual Mosquito Management Plan, beginning Monday, and reoccurring every other week through July.
The city's truck-mounted fogger, which administers the treatment, is calibrated to ensure that the correct amount of the product is applied for each treatment area. All products are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are applied by a trained and state certified technician.
The spraying is more effective if it takes place during peak mosquito biting hours. Spraying will begin at 7:00 p.m., weather permitting, and will continue in each area until it is completed. In the event of rain, the spraying will commence on the next clear day.
On Monday, May 9, spraying will take place in Section A (Borders north side of Live Oak Street and west side of Park Street). Spraying in Section B (Borders south side of Live Oak Street, north side of Culver Street and west side of Park Street) will take place Tuesday, May 10. Section D (Borders south side of Culver Street, east side of Park Street and south side of Maple Street (Highway 11)) will occur on Wednesday, May 11. Then on Thursday, May 12, Section C (Borders north side of Maple Street (Highway 11) and east side of Park Street) will be sprayed.
The chemicals are of low toxicity to people and pets, but they are pesticides and direct contact should be avoided. The product is extremely toxic to fish, and fishponds are to be covered when the spraying is scheduled in or near your area. You're also encouraged to bring in pet bowls prior to spraying and stay indoors when the truck is in your area. The chemicals will not be sprayed if the driver sees people outdoors.
Questions or comments should be addressed to the Public Works Department at 903-886-1152.
Spraying then follows the following schedule:
Section A - Monday - May 23, June 6, June 20, July 18
Section B - Tuesday - May 24, June 7, June 21, July 5, July 19
Section D - Wednesday - May 25, June 8, June 22, July 6, July 20
Section C - Thursday - May 26, June 9, June 23, July 7, July 21
* The order of Section C and Section D have been reversed because of ball games that are taking place at Eddie Moore Park.