Due to the high mosquito count, and in an effort to control the West Nile virus, the Franklin County Public Health Department will spray Gahanna the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 5, beginning at 8:30 p.m. and Mifflin Township on Monday, August 10 starting at 8:30 p.m. (weather permitting)
Mifflin Township has contracted this year with Franklin County Public Health to assist with mosquito control. Franklin County Public Health uses an Integrated Pest Management approach with a public health focus to reduce and control disease-carrying mosquitoes. Many tools and techniques are used throughout mosquito season to help control the mosquito population. These include:
- Larviciding areas of stagnant water and storm water catch basins to prevent mosquitoes from hatching in these prime breeding sites.
- Surveillance of adult mosquito populations by the use of traps.
- Testing of adult mosquitoes for the presence of disease.
- Adulticiding (spraying) using Ultra Low Volume (ULV) truck mounted equipment to treat residential areas to reduce adult mosquito populations.
- A variety of educational materials and awareness approaches.
As a precaution, the Franklin County Public Health Department recommends:
- Remain indoors with windows closed when spraying is taking place, if possible.
- Bring laundry and toys indoors before spraying begins. Wash with soap and water if exposed to pesticides during spraying.
- Bring your pets indoors. Cover ornamental fishponds during spray hours to avoid direct exposure.
- Outdoor tables, furniture, toys and play equipment can be covered or can be rinsed off with water following the application, but it is not necessary.
- Wash exposed skin surfaces with soap and water if you come in contact with pesticides.
- Wash any exposed fruits and vegetables with water before storing, cooking or eating.
- Wait about one hour before allowing children to play in areas that have been sprayed.
- Do not approach or follow a spray truck when it is operating. If you are in a vehicle, please try to find an alternate route until the spray truck has passed. This is for your safety and the safety of our operators.
Detailed information about the mosquito program and a form to request service or report an area of concern is available on the web site. Visit www.myfcph.org or call Franklin County Public Health’s Mosquito Bite Line at (614) 525-BITE (2483).
Did You Know...
A single water-filled bucket can produce hundreds of biting mosquitoes. Most disease-causing mosquitoes spend their entire lives near their container-breeding site. While the adult mosquito’s life expectancy is not usually more than a few weeks, the female may lay several batches of eggs each containing several hundred eggs during its life.
What can you do?
Take a few minutes to go outside and look around your yard. Anything that holds water could be a potential breeding site for mosquitoes. It doesn’t take much water and it doesn’t take much time. Why raise mosquitoes in your own back yard? Dump those containers; turn them upside down; or better yet put them inside your garage or basement. It is such a simple, but very effective way, to protect your family from mosquito-borne diseases like encephalitis and West Nile virus.
To report an area of concern or to learn more about the mosquito program, visit www.myfcph.org or call Franklin County Public Health’s Mosquito Bite Line at (614) 525-BITE (2483).