Mahoning County spraying tonight to combat mosquito-borne diseases

AUSTINTOWN Mahoning County Public Health will conduct mosquito spraying tonight in designated areas to reduce the mosquito population and help prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile Virus.

Spraying operations are scheduled to begin at dusk on Thursday, July 24, and continue until dawn on Friday, July 25. Areas to be sprayed include:

• Austintown Township Park
• Boardman Township Park
• Canfield Fairgrounds
• Canfield Village Park
• Coy Park
• Mill Creek Park
• Poland Township Park
• Poland Village Park
• Woodworth Park

Residents with beehives in these areas are urged to contact the Environmental Health Division at 330-270-2855 so spraying can be avoided in those specific locations.

Officials emphasize that while spraying helps control adult mosquito populations, it is not effective against breeding sites. Many mosquito problems stem from standing water around homes. Residents are encouraged to eliminate potential breeding grounds by:

• Emptying or discarding containers that collect water, such as tires, buckets, bottles and toys.
• Changing water in pet bowls, bird baths and flowerpot saucers at least twice a week.
• Cleaning clogged rain gutters.
• Repairing leaky outdoor faucets.
• Preventing water accumulation on tarps and boat covers.

Bio-friendly larvicides, often called "mosquito dunks," are available at local garden and hardware stores. These products can control larval growth in wet areas for several weeks without harming other animals.

To protect themselves from mosquito bites, residents should:

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and long pants.
• Avoid outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours, typically dusk and dawn.
• Stay away from areas with heavy mosquito activity.
• Use repellents on exposed skin, always following label instructions.
• Inspect and repair any holes in window and door screens.