Effects of Aerial Spraying

Evidence Inconclusive in Survey of Central Park

A two hour survey of Central Park on Edmonds Lane failed to reveal any empirical evidence of harm, or lack thereof, resulting from the anti-West Nile Virus spraying conducted in the skies of Lewisville this weekend. Due to windy conditions more spraying is to be done on subsequent nights.

There is considerable anecdotal evidence animal, insect, aquatic, reptilian, and avian life were affected. The survey was done between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM, Sunday, September 02, 2012. Normally there are many lizard sightings on the paths and on the trees lining the paths. Not one was observed. There are usually one or two clouds of midges around the small wadi between path markers 10 and 11, none were observed. Not one squirrel was sighted, despite the presence of the Squirrel Lady with her corn and peanuts. Normally the squirrels swarm the path when she appears with her largesse.

There are normally many, many birds flitting amongst the beautiful forested portions of the park, a total of 6 blue jays were sighted Sunday morning.

The fish and turtles were present in regular numbers, over one hundred fish and at least thirty turtles were counted. During the past three weeks at least ten gravel “nesting” beds have been observed, all attended by one or two guardian fish. On Sunday the beds were no longer guarded. It is not possible to ascribe this to the spraying, it is possible the roe hatched.

Other park visitors were asked about differences they observed, most commented on the scarcity or absence of bird and insect life. All noticed the absence of lizards.

One very hopeful observation was made, not one mosquito had attacked anyone interviewed. My spouse, normally a mosquito magnet, never even saw one.

A return visit on Labor Day from approximately 8:45 AM to 10:00 AM resulted in much different results. A male and female cardinal were seen playing hide and seek in the trees and brush, at least 4 squirrels were observed patrolling for breakfast, and a few dragon flies were evident.

Back home our citrus lantana in the front was hosting a bumble bee, several honey bees, and a gorgeous tiger butterfly. No hummingbirds for two days but there is hope.

Just based on personal, non-scientific, observations, it appears the aerial spraying has not radically affected our local eco-system. Only time will tell.

In a Dallas Morning News reprint of a Denton Record-Chronicle article, page 5B, September 3, 2012, Jamie Moore, Denton County EMS spokesman states, “It takes several weeks to get the official report on effectiveness.”