MAHONING COUNTY, Ohio - The summer season is upon us and that means mosquitos are popping up around the Mahoning Valley.

Mahoning County Public Health will start spraying for mosquitos next week and continue throughout the summer.

Crews will begin mosquito spraying on June 19 at the Canfield Fairgrounds. Mill Creek Park and the Chaparral Campgrounds will be treated on July 24.

A number of locations will be sprayed on August 21, including:

  • Austintown Township Park
  • Boardman Township Park
  • Canfield Township Park
  • Coy Park
  • Lakeside Campground
  • Lake Milton KOA Campground
  • Poland Township Park
  • Poland Village Park
  • Western Reserve Campgrounds

The spraying is being done through a 2023 Ohio EPA Mosquito Control Grant. Spraying helps reduce the population of mosquitos and the spread of diseases they may carry including the West Nile Virus.

All spraying will be done between dusk and dawn. If it is raining or windy, spraying will be postponed.

Spraying alone does not control the breeding sites of mosquitos but there are practices to help keep them away from your home.

Here are some tips to keep mosquito breeding spots from popping up:

  • Empty or throw away containers in your yard that can collect water such as tires, buckets, bottles, toys, etc.
  • Change water in pet bowls, bird baths and flowerpot saucers at least twice a week
  • Clean clogged rain gutters
  • Repair leaky outdoor faucets
  • Keep water from accumulating on tarps and boat covers