- Home
- City Government
- Departments and Divisions
- Public Service
- Mosquito Control
Mosquito Control
The City partners with Franklin County Public Health (FCPH) to control the population of mosquitoes in Whitehall. Learn about FCPH's mosquito management program, upcoming sprayings in Whitehall, how to report mosquito populations and how to fight the bite here. More detailed information is available on Franklin County Public Health's Mosquito Control website.
Upcoming Sprayings in Whitehall
- Tuesday, August 30, 2022: Due to West Nile Virus positive test results from August 28 in the Whitehall East and Whitehall West zones, Franklin County Public Health will spray the Whitehall East and Whitehall West zones on Tuesday, August 30 beginning at 8:45 p.m. (weather permitting).
FCPH's Mosquito Management Plan
FCPH has built their mosquito program based on principals of integrated pest management (IPM). IPM is a comprehensive approach to pest management that focuses on prevention, education, and controlling pests at their most vulnerable stage while minimizing hazards to the environment.
- Surveillance: FCPH has an extensive surveillance network to monitor numbers and species of mosquitoes in its service areas. They set over 150 mosquito traps per week (3 different types of traps) from mid-May through the end of September. They then test mosquitoes from each of their 63 zones (2 of which are in Whitehall) each week for West Nile virus.
- Prevention: FCPH routinely monitors and inspects hundreds of sites where they know mosquitoes breed, including multiple sites here in Whitehall. They apply larvicides to standing water which control mosquitoes at their most vulnerable development stage. They also encourage the public to alert them to areas of stagnant water and high mosquito populations. Report a concern on Franklin County Public Health's website.
- Control: FCPH will make decisions to spray an area by truck, based on surveillance data collected from their mosquito traps. They have set action thresholds that must be met before they will consider spraying an area. These action thresholds include presence of West Nile infected mosquitoes and high numbers of mosquitoes. FCPH will not spray whole areas by truck based on complaints alone.
- Outreach and Prevention: FCPH educates residents about the diseases that mosquitoes can spread. They also promote ways the public can protect themselves from bites and reduce mosquito numbers in their own yard. Preventing mosquitoes from laying eggs in standing water in the first place is the most effective way to control mosquitoes.
Fight the Bite
Personal Protection
- Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear light colors, long sleeves, long pants, and socks when spending time outside in mosquito-infested areas.
- Make sure door and window screens are tight fitting and free of holes.
- Use an EPA registered insect repellent when outside where mosquitoes are present.
- When camping or spending time outdoors, consider Permethrin treated bed-nets, tents, or clothing.
- Avoid perfume, colognes, or other heavy scents that may attract mosquitoes.
Eliminating Mosquitoes in Your Yard
Eliminating mosquito habitats around your home can go a long way to reduce the mosquito population. Check for the following areas for standing water:
- Tires, buckets, cans, bottles and plastic containers
- Bird baths (drain and refill every 3-4 days)
- Wading or kiddie pools (drain and refill frequently)
- Pools and hot tubs (keep chlorinated and covered)
- Pool covers that hold water
- Boats, boat covers and tarps
- Pet food containers and water dishes
- Clogged gutters and downspouts
- Leaky outside faucets that create puddles
- Rain barrels that are not properly screened or treated
- Low areas that form puddles and hold water
- Planters and pots, including saucers and catch trays
- Trash cans (use tight fitting lids and keep them covered)
- Mature trees that have developed holes that hold water – fill the voids with sand