The City of Upper Arlington contracts with Franklin County Public Health (FCPH) for the provision of an integrated mosquito management program. A core component of the program is to educate residents on the simple steps they can take to help reduce mosquito populations, which can help reduce the need for spraying. In tandem with this approach, FCPH places mosquito traps throughout the community, checking them regularly to monitor mosquito populations and to test for signs of disease, such as West Nile Virus and Encephalitis. Spraying activities are triggered when an area is found to have a large mosquito population and/or trapped mosquitoes have tested positive for disease.
Read on for an outline of the prevention program.
Identifying and Eliminating Breeding Sites
The safest, most cost-effective way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate breeding sites, and City and FCPH staff use a variety of tools to accomplish this goal. You can help in this process by contacting FCPH if you know of low-lying areas that collect stagnant water.
Determining the Need to Use Adulticide
The decision to use adulticide is based on the percentage of a mosquito pool testing positive for disease and/or population size, and is considered the last line of defense. If spraying is necessary, FCPH will send an e-mail to residents that have registered for updates, as well as notifying local media and using its social media channels. Additionally, FCPH will provide advance notice to the City of any areas to be treated in our community so that we can use our various communication channels to help notify the public. FCPH posts details of all Franklin County areas to be sprayed – along with precautions to take after your area has been sprayed – on its website which can be accessed via the link below.
Adulticide Product
FCPH uses Merus 3.0, a natural botanical pyrethrin derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Merus 3.0 is listed with the Organic Materials Review Institute and can be applied in and around organic gardens. FCPH uses ultra-low-volume spray machines that are calibrated to apply extremely small amounts of pesticide over large areas, which is lethal to mosquitoes but will not adversely affect other insects.
Do Not Spray
If you do not want your home sprayed, you must fill out a Do Not Spray form annually, which you can complete by clicking the link below and filling out a form on the Franklin County Public Health’s website. This request will take effect five business days after its receipt.
Help Eliminate Mosquitoes in Your Yard
- Empty, remove, cover, or turn over receptacles with the potential to hold water.
- Clean bird baths twice weekly.
- Discard old tires or store them indoors.
- Repair leaky plumbing and outside faucets.
- Make sure gutters and downspouts are free of blockage and are properly draining.
- Fill holes in trees with sand.
- Empty your pets’ water dishes daily.
- Drain or fill low areas on your property that hold water for more than three days.
Ways to Reduce Mosquito Bites
- Wear light-colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts or jackets and long slacks.
- Avoid mosquito-infested areas or stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
- Avoid physical exertion and use colognes and perfumes sparingly, as these may attract mosquitoes.
- Use mosquito repellent, according to directions, when you are outdoors. Click the links for more information about mosquito repellent from the CDC and EPA.
- You can also use products containing picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus or Para-menthane-diol as repellents. These products typically provide longer-lasting protection.