Resident Services

Resident Services / Health Services

Take Mosquito Control Personally

Mosquito Hotline: 614-462-BITE

Each year, the City takes an integrated approach to controlling the mosquito population. The combined efforts of the City, UA Board of Health, Franklin County Board of Health (FCBH) and residents are key to reducing populations.

Continuing last year’s efforts, FCBH will focus on taking action in areas with a high incidence of mosquitoes testing positive for diseases such as West Nile Virus (WNV) and Encephalitis. It is hoped these efforts can break the disease cycle. Read on for an outline of this year’s program.

Identifying and Eliminating Breeding Sites
The safest, most cost-effective way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate breeding sites. City and FCBH staff work to identify and eliminate breeding sites, using a variety of tools. Adult surveillance is conducted by trapping adult mosquitoes using light and gravid traps at various locations. You can help in this process by contacting FCBH if you know of low-lying areas that collect stagnant water.

Determining the Need to Use Adulticide
The decision to use adulticide is based on the percentage of a mosquito pool testing positive for disease, and is considered the last line of defense if other practices have failed. The City will receive 24 hours notice of any areas to be treated, and will use the Communicator automated telephone call-out system to inform affected residents. However, given the tight time constraints, it is recommended that if a resident is concerned about mosquito fogging, they check the City’s Web site for the most up-to-date information. FCBH will also post details of all Franklin County areas to be fogged on its Web site.

Do Not Fog Registry
Residents with concerns about fogging can ask to be placed on the Do Not Fog registry with FCBH. Once placed on this list, your property will be excluded from fogging activities (you will still receive the City’s Communicator notification call). To register for the Do Not Fog list, click here to complete an online form. Please note - you must register annually to be on this list. Please allow at least two business days for your request to take effect.

If required, truck-based fogging will take place during evening hours. Mosquito spraying may start at dusk when mosquitoes are most active and may last into the overnight hours. Mosquitoes are most active (seeking hosts) from 30 minutes before sunset to two hours after sunset and two hours before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunrise. While the chemicals used are not considered harmful to humans, people with breathing difficulties are advised to keep their windows closed.

Since the presence of West Nile Virus is already confirmed in Franklin County, FCBH no longer asks residents to call and report sightings of dead crows and blue jays.

Please Note: The Communicator will place a call to your home if you are on the scheduled route. However, if your line is busy, you have privacy manager or do not have an answering machine, the call may not be successfully placed.

Updated 4/28/08

Public Services Department
City of Upper Arlington
3600 Tremont Road
Upper Arlington, OH 43221
Phone: 614-583-5350
www.ua-ohio.net