Mosquito spraying scheduled in Fairfield Township
The Tuscarawas County Health Department will spray for mosquitoes in Fairfield Township Wednesday night from 8 to 11 p.m. It will be rescheduled if the weather is bad.
Health officials say surveillance along Ohio Route 212 identified a significant increase in the adult mosquito population, with large trap counts exceeding the 200-mosquito threshold that triggers preventive control measures.
They say spraying along with other preventative measures help reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
Residents with respiratory conditions are encouraged to remain indoors during spraying or call the health department to request a no-spray area.
FROM THE TUSCARAWAS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT:
TCHD routinely avoids spraying near beehives registered with the Ohio Department of Agriculture and honors requests for designated no-spray areas. Residents wishing to request a no-spray designation may contact the Environmental Health Division at (330) 343-5550 or email eh@tchdnow.org.
Help Reduce Mosquito Populations
With mosquitoes capable of carrying diseases such as West Nile virus active in the area, TCHD encourages residents to take the following precautions recommended by the Ohio Department of Health:
• Apply insect repellent when spending time outdoors.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when possible. Because mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing, treating clothing with repellent can provide additional protection.
• Take extra precautions during peak mosquito activity hours, typically from dusk to dawn.
• Install and repair window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.
• Use air conditioning when available.
• Eliminate standing water around your property by regularly emptying flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, birdbaths, and other water-holding containers at least every three days.
These preventive measures can help reduce mosquito populations and lower the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus and La Crosse virus.
For additional information about TCHD’s mosquito control program, visit https://www.tchdnow.org/mosquito-control.html or call (330) 343-5550.