Mosquito spray trucks will roll through Upper Arlington neighborhoods north of McCoy Road at 9 p.m. Aug. 17, the same evening students start the school year after the Aug. 11 derecho forced a five-day delay.
Franklin County Public Health ordered the spraying after mosquitoes trapped north of McCoy Road tested positive for West Nile Virus, the city announced Friday. It is the second West Nile-triggered spray in UA this month. The first, on Aug. 10, covered neighborhoods south of Zollinger Road, as we reported Aug. 6. The virus has now been detected in two different trapping zones within two weeks.
Monday is also the rescheduled first day of school for Upper Arlington students. Grades 1 through 5, plus grades 6 and 9, report that day along with kindergarten orientation. Burbank Early Childhood School also opens Monday. The district postponed its original Aug. 12 start after the derecho knocked out power and dropped trees across the community.
Spraying begins at 9 p.m.
What families should know
FCPH says staying indoors during spraying is not required but is an option for those who prefer to limit exposure. The agency advises residents to:
- Bring pet food and water bowls inside before 9 p.m.
- Cover ornamental fishponds
- Take laundry off outdoor lines
- Cover or later rinse outdoor furniture, toys and play equipment
- Wash any exposed garden fruits or vegetables under running water before eating
Pets left outside will be safe, according to FCPH guidance.
If you encounter a spray truck while walking, make yourself visible to the driver and walk in the direction the truck is heading. Drivers are trained to shut off the spray. Do not follow a spray truck in a vehicle.
Opt out or get updates
Residents who do not want their property sprayed can submit a "Do Not Spray" request at mosquito.myfcph.org. The site also offers email spray notifications and posts schedules and maps at least 24 hours before application.
If weather forces a cancellation Monday night, no alternate date has been announced. Check mosquito.myfcph.org for updates or call Franklin County Public Health at (614) 525-3160.
