Mosquitoes / Vector Borne Diseases
Mosquitoes can be found around many households, campgrounds, and parks in Ohio. It is common for humans to come in contact with mosquitoes in the spring, summer, and early fall in Ohio when going outdoors. There are 59 species of mosquitoes in Ohio. Some of these mosquitoes are known to spread disease. Although rare, mosquitoes can spread diseases such as West Nile Virus, encephalitis, and malaria if an infected mosquito bites a human. Dogs can also get heartworms from bites from infected mosquitoes.
Ross County Health District has received funding through the Ohio EPA to help with mosquito surveillance and control activities. Environmental Health Division staff are available to help assist you with questions regarding mosquito prevention, filing complaints regarding mosquito problems in Ross County, and reducing mosquito harborage conditions in Ross County. To file complaints or report mosquito problems, please call (740) 775-1158.
Our Mosquito Control Program consists of the following components:
Mosquito Surveillance which includes trapping mosquitoes and sending them to ODH for West Nile Virus testing and identification
Mosquito Harborage Source Reduction: Investigation and surveillance of mosquito breeding sites such as scrap tire dumps, flooding and poorly drained areas, investigation of solid waste and trash nuisances.
Mosquito Awareness: Education and outreach to the public to promote prevention and source reduction as well as awareness of protection from mosquitoes.
Mosquito Larvae: Application of Mosquito Control such as larvicide to help reduce mosquito populations in areas where source reduction is not possible.