By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
While the rains have washed out the chances for many local crops, they will likely lead to a bumper crop of pesky mosquitoes.
“It’s a safe assumption” that this year will be a good one for mosquitoes and a bad one for people who like to spend time outside, said Lana Glore, director of environmental services at Wood County Health Department.
The health department was recently awarded $17,410 to spend on mosquito control. The money will be spent on education of the public and surveillance of the local mosquito population.
The education is intended to remind local residents how to keep their property from becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes, said Alex Aspacher, community outreach coordinator with the Wood County Health Department.
Mosquitoes can breed in a spot of water as small as a bottle cap, Aspacher said.
“If you can remove those water sources, you will prevent a lot of mosquitoes,” he said.
Aspacher suggested that water be emptied from stagnant sites – like bird baths – a couple times a week to prevent breeding by the bugs.
But emptying water sources this year could be particularly difficult because of the wet weather, public health officials said.
“In some areas it will be quite unrealistic that you can get rid of stagnant water,” Glore said. “Really be mindful when you are out.”
The health department will make mosquito dunks available to local residents who have standing water from flooded areas or ponds. The dunks are free to those who need them.
Though residents are quite familiar with how annoying mosquitoes can be, they may be less aware of how dangerous they can be.
“Fewer people know they can make you pretty sick,” Aspacher said, listing off the potential for mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika. Zika, which is much more common in warmer regions, can cause serious birth defects in children.
“Be aware when you are traveling,” Aspacher said.
The health department also has traveler kits, with items such as mosquito repellant, bed nets and window screen repair kits.
The grant will also allow the health department to contract with Bowling Green State University for surveillance of mosquitoes in Wood County. The surveillance will begin this week in 12 different locations, Glore said.
Mosquitoes from the traps will be collected daily, frozen, then sent for testing. The testing will identify the type of mosquitoes and if they are carrying any diseases, Glore said. The data is useful for tracking diseases like West Nile Virus.
BGSU will report the findings back to the health department.
In 2018, no human cases of West Nile Virus were found in Wood County, but two were reported in Lucas County, Glore said.
People can find information on mosquito prevention here: http://www.woodcountyhealth.org/envhealth/mosquitos.html.
How to prevent mosquito bites:
• Use an insect repellent that includes DEET, or another EPA-approved product.
• Wear long, loose, light-colored clothing when possible.
• Remove standing water sources to discourage breeding.
• Limit outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
How to discourage mosquitoes from breeding:
- Remove sources of standing water. Walk around the outside of your home at least once a week and empty any water that’s collected in toys, birdbaths, buckets and other objects. Get rid of old tires and other objects that can collect water.
- Larvicides can be used to treat wet areas that will not be used for drinking, where mosquitoes may breed. Wood County Health Department distributes mosquito dunks to residents free of charge. They can be used in areas like rain barrels, pool covers, fountains, septic tanks and gutters. For more information, visit the health department’s Environmental Health Division on East Gypsy Lane Road in Bowling Green, or call 419-354-2702.
