Mosquito Control: An Ounce of Prevention
Summer traditionally spells the return of warm weather, weekend barbecues and daily excursions to Highlands Park Aquatic Center.
On the flip side, the warmer and wetter summer climate serves as the ideal environment for mosquito populations to thrive. Plans are well underway to combat the return of these pesky summer nuisances, and many of the tricks to keep them at bay are well within your control.
“Although the City participates in a comprehensive Mosquito Management Program with Franklin County, all effective strategies against mosquitoes start with prevention,” said Kevin Weaver, Westerville Public Service Director. “Mosquitoes are not only attracted to water sources, but they also choose these locations to breed. Managing and eliminating water sources on your property can prevent their return and go a long way toward reducing adult populations in the area.”
To reduce the likelihood that mosquitoes will choose their property as their next staging ground, homeowners are encouraged to remove and cap outdoor containers capable of retaining water, repair leaky external pipes and faucets, ensure the functionality of gutters and downspouts, empty and replenish outdoor water sources on a regular basis to avoid stagnation, drain or infill naturally low-lying areas prone to retaining water for several days, and, of course, remind neighbors to follow suit to help keep your neighborhood dry and mosquito-free.
Beyond these simple at-home prevention methods, Franklin County Public Health administers the Mosquito Management Program for much of central Ohio, including Westerville. Franklin County’s mosquito control plan starts with ongoing surveillance, which includes trapping and testing local mosquito populations for mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus. When trap data reveal either an abnormally high number of mosquitoes or the presence of West Nile Virus, spraying is conducted in the affected area to reduce the adult mosquito population.
In addition to spraying, Franklin County works with Vector Disease Control International to apply larvicides to water sources used as mosquito breeding sites. Larvicides consist of chemical and biological products that kill or inhibit the maturation of younger mosquitoes. Since mosquitoes remain in water until they become adults, larvicides hit mosquitoes at the stage in their development when they are easiest to control. This limits the number of adult mosquitoes capable of taking flight and invading your outdoor summer plans.
“Spraying is an important part of the mosquito control strategy, but there are more proactive and long-lasting measures on the table,” said Weaver. “When we spray for mosquitoes, it only affects the flying adult population. Actions we can take early on to inhibit their growth and development ultimately stop the problem before it starts.”
Residents who want to report a complaint or request additional information about mosquitoes should visit www.myfcph.org or call the Franklin County Public Health Mosquito “Bite Line” at 614-525-BITE (2483). All Westerville residents should contact Franklin County Public Health regardless of their county of residence. Mosquito-related updates and information will also be posted online throughout the season.
How can I avoid mosquitoes?
- Eliminate standing water around your home.
- Limit outdoor activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear insect repellant containing DEET.
Mark Your Calendar
Household Hazardous Waste Collection
- Saturday, May 14 – 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
- 370 Park Meadow Rd.
The Westerville Public Service Department hosts the first of two Household Hazardous Waste collections planned for 2016. Check www.westerville.org/HHW for full details on acceptable items for disposal.
2016 Honor Flight Jukebox Revue
- Sunday, May 22 – 2:30 p.m., $10
- Westerville North High School
The popular annual show is produced in the tradition of television’s early variety shows, featuring musicians, bands, dancers, singers and other entertainers. Proceeds benefit the 2016 community-sponsored Honor Flight, a program honoring World War II and Korean War veterans with a guided tour of their national monuments in Washington, D.C. This event is free for veterans and active military.
Party at the Creek
- Thursday, May 28 – 6-8 p.m., FREE
- Alum Creek Park North
Party at the Creek is a Westerville tradition for free family fun, including explorations of nature, tours of scenic green spaces and waterways, and food and snacks. Party at the Creek celebrates the environment in community block-party style.
Youth Police Academy
- June 1: Final Application Deadline
- Westerville Division of Police
Students ages 14-18 who have an interest in law enforcement careers are invited to attend this week-long training to learn basic law enforcement principles, including hands-on investigations and activities. Students also participate in demonstrations and light physical training (e.g., marching). Details online at www.westerville.org/police.
Field of Heroes
- Memorial Day Weekend: Friday, May 27 – Monday, May 30 (various times)
In a central Ohio tradition, join the Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club and community partners at the Field proudly waving more than 3,000 American flags in celebration of the Memorial Day holiday. For more information, visit www.fieldofheroes.org.
Honor Flight Pancake Breakfast
- Saturday, June 18 – 7:30-10:30 a.m., $6
- American Legion Hall, 393 E. College Ave.
The eighth annual event features all-you-can-eat pancakes for a great cause: funding the Westerville community-sponsored Honor Flight. This event is free for veterans and active military.
Construction Update
Construction season continues in Westerville. To help ease the commute from here to there, the City website is up-to-date with the latest news, information and alerts on roadway construction. Included is a summary of the project at State and Schrock, including mapping to find out more about lane closures and anticipated schedule notes. Find out what’s happening online at www.westerville.org/construction.
- Saturday, June 18 – 7:30-10:30 a.m., $6
- American Legion Hall, 393 E. College Ave.
The eighth annual event features all-you-can-eat pancakes for a great cause: funding the Westerville community-sponsored Honor Flight. This event is free for veterans and active military.
