Mosquito Control Program

Mosquito-borne Disease

Mosquitoes can carry diseases that are spread to man and animals. These diseases are sometimes fatal. In Ohio mosquitoes may be infected with the virus that causes one of these diseases:

Surveillance

    Gravid TrapMosquito collection – Traps are set to collect mosquitoes for testing to identify infected mosquito populations.

    Human Disease Surveillance

    Bird surveillance - Dead Blue Jays and Crows are tested to monitor for the presence of virus.

    Vector Borne Disease Report

    LaCrosse Encephalitis 1990-2007LaCrosse Encephalitis Cases Reported in Ohio 1990-2007

    Licking County lead the state in LaCrosse Encephalitis  with 19 cases in 17 years. LaCrosse Encephalitis is a mosquito-borne disease.

     

     

     

Mosquito Control

Mosquito ControlEliminate breeding sites. Apply larvacide to standing water to control larvae.  Spray for adult mosquitoes when needed.

 

What You Can Do

Dispose of any water-holding containers, including discarded tires. Drill holes in the bottom of containers. 

Clean clogged roof gutters on an annual basis.

Turn over plastic wading pools or wheelbarrows when not in use, and do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths.

Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. 

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not in use and be aware that mosquitoes can breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers. 

Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

What Is the Licking County Health Department Doing About WNV?

Mosquito trapping is conducted to determine the number of biting mosquitoes in an area, and the infection rate among those mosquitoes. Dead birds are transported to the lab for testing. Our mosquito control program focuses on reducing breeding sites, treating standing water, and when necessary, spraying for mosquitoes.

What Else Should I Know?
If you find a dead bird: Don't handle the body with your bare hands. Dispose of it in the trash. The Ohio Department of Health is not testing dead birds for WNV in 2009.

 

West Nile Virus Factsheet - Fight the Bite Ohio