Franklin County to perform 2009 mosquito program
The City of Dublin has contracted with Franklin County to perform mosquito abatement for the second year.
Franklin County’s services include larvaciding to kill immature insects before they develop into biting adults. The county also performs trapping and testing of adult mosquitoes, takes customer calls, performs fogging if necessary and provides information to the City about its activities. Fogging is only used as a last resort. This method eliminates only adult flying mosquitoes and is not as proactive as other methods.
Residents who have questions, want to report a complaint or need additional information about mosquitoes should call the Franklin County Board of Health’s Mosquito Bite Line at (614) 462-BITE and leave a message; your call will be returned. Residents also can also visit www.franklincountyohio.gov/health to ask a question or submit a complaint.
“Franklin County staff is well-versed in mosquito abatement,” said Director of Streets and Utilities Ron Burns. “They’re the experts.” The county performs similar work in other Central Ohio communities.
This service does not mean any additional cost to Dublin residents. They already pay for this service through their county taxes.
The time it takes Franklin County to test its trapped mosquitoes for West Nile Virus and other diseases is only 24 hours. That means a quicker response time should any mosquitoes be found with diseases, he said.
While Franklin County’s tactics are effective, the best weapon against the spread of mosquitoes is knowledge. Residents can prevent mosquitoes on their own properties by eliminating breeding sites:
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Empty, remove, cover or turn over any container that has the potential to hold water.
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Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets.
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Make sure gutters and downspouts are free of blockage and are properly draining.
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Change the water in wading pools weekly and store indoors when not in use.
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Properly dispose of old tires.
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Empty planters that hold water twice each week.
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Empty bird baths twice weekly.
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Empty your pets watering dishes daily.
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Use sand to plug holes in trees where water can collect.
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Drain or fill low areas on your property that hold water for more than three days but are not located in a roadside drainage ditch or stormwater drainage easement area.
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Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their property.