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Environmental Health

The role of Environmental Health is to develop and promote measures which modify or control factors that cause illness, injury, or discomfort to people.



The National Sanitation Foundation

Topic of the Month

Food Establishment Inspection Sheets

Rodent & Mosquito Control

Abilene Restaurant Inspection Scores

Neighborhood Public Health Concerns
                                              

Temporary Booth Regs2011

Mobile Unit Regs 2011 with Application


The Environmental Health office is located at Abilene City Hall, 555 Walnut, Suite 100,
Abilene, TX. We are open Monday through Fridayfrom 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.


Contact Us

Phone:
(325) 437-4590

Mailing Address:
City of Abilene
Environmental Health
P.O. Box 60
Abilene, TX 79604-0060

 

 

BED BUGS

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. Adult bed bugs

are oval, wingless and rusty red colored, and have flat bodies, antennae and small eyes.

They are visible to the naked eye, but often hide in cracks and crevices. In homes, bed bugs feed primarily on the blood of humans, usually at night when people are sleeping.

 

Are bed bugs dangerous?

Although bed bugs may be a nuisance to people, they are not known to spread disease.

They are known to cause allergic reactions from their saliva in sensitive people.

 

How does a home become infested with bed bugs?

In most cases, bed bugs are transported from infested areas to non-infested areas when

they cling onto someone’s clothing, or crawl into luggage, furniture or bedding that is then brought into homes.

 

If I have a bed bug infestation, what can I do myself?

The Department of State Health Service recommends that you consult with a licensed,

professional pest control company. Some of the things you can do yourself include:

 

*When it is colder than 25 degrees F, place mattresses and furniture outside for several

   hours to kill bed bugs. Temperatures below 25 degrees F will freeze and kill bed bugs.

 

*Wash all bedding, draperies and clothing in hot water on a regular basis.

 

*Vacuum and steam-clean carpets.

 

*Use insecticides to get rid of bed bugs that are hiding in walls and other large objects.

   (Choose insecticides with “pyrethrins” as an active ingredient on the label & labeled for

     household use.

 

Bed bugs can be difficult to get rid of because they hide so well. If two weeks have passed since you first tried to rid your home of bed bugs and you still notice signs of bed bugs, repeat the above steps. For heavy infestations contact a pest control service.

 

Can I prevent bed bugs from entering my home?

Some infestations can be prevented by washing clothing and bedding immediately after returning from a trip. Inspect all used beds, sofas, or upholstered chairs and bedding for signs of bed bugs before bringing them into your home. Never bring discarded bed frames, mattresses, box springs, or upholstered furniture into your home.

 

Source: Department of State Health Services

 

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FOOD ESTABLISHMENT INSPECTION SHEETS

Violations Require Immediate Corrective Action (5 points)




Violations Require Immediate Corrective Action (4 points)




Violations Require Immediate Corrective Action, Not to Exceed 10 Days(3 points)





IMPORTANT LINKS

Texas Food Establishment Rules

Summary of changes to Texas Food Establishment Rules

Using pH, aw, or the Interaction of pH and aw to Determine if a Food Requires Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS)


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NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS

The City of Abilene has a Nuisance Ordinance that is partially enforced by Environmental Health. Specifically, we address nuisance conditions that are of public health significance, such as broken sewer lines and stagnant pools of water that provide hatiching sites for mosquitoes. Citizens can call 437-4590 to register a complaint about these issues.



A lot of things can be recycled now. The City of Abilene Recycling Center is located at 2209 Oak. They accept aluminum cans, anti-freeze, bi-metal cans, glass, magazines, newspaper, used oil and oil filters, tires, tree limbs and trunks, bagged grass and leaves, and household hazardous waste. For more information call 672-2209.

For more information about other recycling centers in Abilene, contact Keep Abilene Beautiful at 734-3301.

If you have materials to take to the sanitary landfill, you can call BFI at 672-7613 for more information.


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RODENT AND MOSQUITO CONTROL

Rodents can destroy property, spread filth and disease, and generally are undesirable in your neighborhood. You can discourage rodents from living on your property by keeping the area around your home clean. Items stored on your property such as firewood or lumber should be stacked at least 18" up off of the ground to prevent harborage. Dog food or cat food should be put out in small amounts only. Dishes should be taken up and not left out.

Mosquitoes are a nuisance and can spread disease to you or your pets. Do not allow water to collect on your property. Old tires, flower pots, pet watering dishes, bird baths, clogged rain gutters, and wading pools can hold water long enough to become breeding sites for mosquitoes. Get rid of your old tires and any other junk item that holds water. Empty flower pots, watering dishes, bird baths, and wading pools regularly and refill with fresh water. Be sure that your rain gutters are not clogged and holding water.


Request Mosquito Spraying


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City of Abilene Temporary Food Service Requirements


View the Texas Food Establishment Rules at:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/foodestablishments/

 

Temporary Food Service Requirements and Application


Any questions? Call the Environmental Health Section at (325) 437-4590.




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