The same information as below may be obtained by calling the Health District Treatment Schedule Hotline, 24 hours per day at (440) 350-2088 OR (440) 918-2088.

Below is the Mosquito Control Treatment schedule. The schedule may change at any time due to the weather or other variables.

In Ohio, mosquitoes can transmit viruses such as Eastern equine encephalitis, La Crosse encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, and West Nile. Depending on where Ohioans travel, there are other mosquito-borne diseases that can be contracted and brought back to Ohio. Those diseases include Chikungunya virus, Dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, Malaria, and Yellow fever. To learn more about each of the mosquito borne diseases, visit Ohio Department of Health – Mosquito-Borne Diseases.

Helpful Links

For information on the mosquito life cycle and how to avoid exposure to bites, visit Ohio Department of Health – Fight the Bite.

For frequently asked questions on mosquitoes, from questions about AIDS transmission to the best repellents, visit American Mosquito Control Association – FAQ.

Midges, Muckleheads, or Muffleheads

It doesn’t matter what they are called, these mosquito look-alikes are an annoyance when lakeshore communities are swarmed by these harmless, non-biting insects.  Midges are attracted to lights in the evening and cling to screens and windows.  They are hatched from the lake when the water warms up in the spring and again when the lake cools down in the fall.  The midges live for only five to ten days. Midges do have a positive purpose, however, as they provide food for fish and other aquatic animals.

Mayflies

Mayfly is the common name for delicate insects that emerge in large numbers from lakes, streams, and rivers, and are attracted to bright lights. They are between one-half and one inch in length and have a two- or three-pronged tail.  As a flying adult, they cannot feed, but form male and female swarms that mate over water. After mating, the males die; the females live a few more hours, and deposit eggs in water to start the next generation.  Mayflies are an important food source for trout, and fly fishing lures are often designed in their image.

Tips for Homeowners

Homeowners can treat small areas of standing water in their yards by using vegetable cooking oil or Ivory liquid dish soap.  Both will clog breathing tubes and kill mosquito larvae. The best way to protect yourself from mosquitoes and mosquito diseases is to get rid of places where mosquitoes can lay their eggs to make more mosquitoes. Follow these simple steps:

• Dispose of tin cans, old tires, buckets, plastic swimming pools that are not being used, plastic covers, or other things that can hold water.
• Make sure that your roof gutters are not clogged.  Clean roof gutters in the spring and fall.
• Clean swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs.  Use chlorine according to the manufacturer’s instructions and keep pools, saunas, and hot tubs covered when no one is using them.
• Empty and change the water in birdbaths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted trays at least one time every week.
• Fill or drain puddles, ditches, and swampy areas.  Get rid of, drain, or fill tree holes and stumps with cement.
• Get rid of standing water from cisterns, cesspools, and septic tanks.
• Get rid of standing water in areas where animals eat.
• Water your lawn carefully so that water is not standing for many days.
• Fix torn screens or get new ones.

It is best to stay indoors from sunset to sunrise when mosquitoes are most likely to be around.  If you must go outdoors at these times:

• When you are outdoors, use insect repellents that have DEET, Picaridin (KBR 3023), Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (PMD), or IR3535.   Follow the directions on the package.
• According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, there have been no reports of problems with pregnant or breastfeeding women using repellents with DEET or Picaridin.
• If you are concerned about using repellent products on children you may wish to consult a health care provider for advice or contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) through their toll-free number, 1 (800) 858-7378 or npic.orst.edu.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when you are outdoors, especially from sundown to sunset.
• Replace outdoor lights with yellow “bug lights.”

Call the Lake County General Health District at (440) 350-2543 if you are worried about standing water.  Remember the Health District needs permission to enter private property.