Most mosquitoes are a nuisance and not major vectors of disease. However, the diseases mosquitoes can carry are serious ones, so it’s important to keep yourself, family, and pets protected.
When is “mosquito season” in Clermont County?
In Clermont County, mosquito season typically runs from May through October. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk (the mornings, late afternoons, and evenings).
Due to Southwest Ohio’s hot, humid summers, mosquitoes can thrive here. Additionally, a wet spring makes conditions ideal for mosquito breeding through the summer.
Tips for Preventing Mosquito Bites in Clermont County
Per the Ohio Department of Health, 59 species of mosquitoes are found in the state. However, only a few of those species transmit disease. People become infected when bitten by an infected mosquito.
Follow these tips to reduce your exposure:
- Use EPA-registered insect repellents when you go outdoors.
- Wear clothing treated with permethrin for extra protection.
- Take extra precautions during peak mosquito biting hours (mornings, late afternoons, and evenings), or try to avoid outdoor activities during these times.
- Wear light-colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts or jackets, and long pants to protect against mosquito bites.
- Consider avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito biting hours.
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
- For any international travel, check alerts on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s Travelers' Health website for mosquito-borne disease updates.
- Speak to your healthcare provider regarding risks and ways you can reduce your risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
- Depending on which country you are visiting, malaria chemoprophylaxis or yellow fever vaccination may be recommended or required. CCPH offers international travel vaccines.
- Empty standing water from flowerpots, buckets, barrels, tarps/covers, and wheelbarrows on a regular basis.
- Discard trash such as tin cans, plastic containers, and other water-holding containers that have accumulated on your property.
- Dispose of discarded tires properly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out.
- Change the water in pet dishes frequently.
- Replace the water in bird baths weekly.
- Check and clean clogged roof gutters at least twice annually so they will drain properly.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, even those that are not being used.
- Keep children's wading pools empty when not in use.
- Consider using “mosquito dunks.” These are products containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), available at many garden and home improvement stores, to control mosquito larvae in containers that are too large to empty.
- Stop mosquitoes from coming indoors by using screens on windows and doors.
What to Do If You’ve Been Bitten by a Mosquito
Some of the serious diseases mosquitoes can carry include encephalitis, malaria, and West Nile Virus. Most people infected with these diseases have no symptoms.
In general, mosquito-borne diseases have not been commonly seen within Clermont County, but it is still important to take precautions. Although uncommon, West Nile Virus has been detected in Clermont County in past years.
If you have a mosquito bite, monitor for signs of mosquito-borne disease. Talk to your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms:
- Mild fever, headache and muscle aches that can last up to a week
- Body aches or a stiff neck
- Fever
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Tremors or convulsions ne diseases. The bite of this tick is also associated with alpha-gal syndrome, an illness that can cause severe allergies to meat, dairy, and medication
Keeping Pets Safe from Mosquitoes
Just like humans, pets often encounter mosquitoes when they are outside. Mosquitoes can carry fatal heartworm disease.
Follow these prevention tips:
- Consult a veterinarian for monthly heartworm medication.
- Keep pets indoors during peak times (dawn and dusk) when mosquitoes are most active.
- Remove standing water from around your home, including pet bowls.
- If sitting outside with your pet, use a box fan to keep the air moving to prevent mosquitoes from landing.
- Use a pet-safe mosquito repellent spray, rather than human products containing DEET. DEET is toxic to animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clermont County Public Health does not operate a mosquito control program. Such programs can include elimination of mosquito larval habitats, application of insecticides to kill mosquito larvae, or spraying insecticides from trucks or aircraft to kill adult mosquitoes.
West Nile virus infection can only be diagnosed by a healthcare provider. A blood or cerebrospinal fluid sample may be collected for laboratory testing.
Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile virus primarily through taking blood meals from infected birds. The virus can be transmitted from infected female mosquitoes to their eggs, which results in infected offspring.
