Residents threaten to sue over use of mosquito spray

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- 'Tis the season for mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases and even after all this rain, one neighborhood won't get help from mosquito spraying because they've threatened legal action to keep the chemicals away.

There's no mosquito spraying in Braeburn Valley and it's because of a petition signed by people in this community.

In between the summer nighttime, sounds of crickets chirping are a big buzz between neighbors in Braeburn Valley.

"I noticed after repeated spraying that the birds in my neighborhood were gone," resident Phillip Lindhurst said.

Lindhurst blames excessive mosquito spraying.

"They're chasing off or killing things that are good for us," he said.

"Like any household cleaner, pesticides do have an effect on wildlife," said Keith Crenshaw, an urban biologist for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Lindhurst started a petition drive, urging the homeowners association to stop the spraying. While they have, not all of his neighbors are on board.

"Spray. You don't have a choice. You hear about mosquitoes bringing all these exotic diseases, (edit) 53- you don't want your kids to get stuff like that and you want to be insulated from it yourself," resident Bill Nelkin said.

Lindhurst wants his neighbors to rely on county mosquito control instead of private companies. He'd rather limit chemicals and rely on nature's predators to take care of pesky mosquitoes.

Apparently, now the HOA can't find a pest control company who will agree to spray because some neighbors threatened to sue if anyone sprays on their property.