Residents near the El Paso Water property missed pesticide distribution

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Socorro residents tell KFOX14/CBS4 they are still battling the red mealybug infestation, even after El Paso County Commissioners in the area distributed pesticides to residents.

Residents who live a mile away from the El Paso Water property believed to be feeding the infestation said they were unaware of the pesticide distribution.

Resident Tim Vasquez said he has been spraying the bugs with pesticides he finds at his local store, adding, “I had no idea they were giving away pesticides for this.”

Vasquez added that he and his neighbors had hoped for compensation for hiring their pest control services.

“I was even wondering who I should talk to maybe – they would finance us with some kind of – maybe if we had a pest controller come out,” Vasquez said.

Residents said they hoped officials communicate directly with residents in affected areas.

Vasquez added, “They should be handing it out to us in the neighborhoods, driving around and saying something.”

KFOX14/CBS4 reached out to Commissioner Holguin to ask if there will be another round of pesticide distribution, we are awaiting a response.

RELATED:EP Water begins removing pecan shells to combat beetle infestation in Socorro

Sign up to receive the most interesting stories from in and around our community once a day in your inbox.