Mosquito-spraying trucks will roll through Upper Arlington's north side Sept. 14, after trapped mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus.

Franklin County Public Health (FCPH) plans to begin spraying areas north of McCoy Road at approximately 8:30 p.m., weather permitting, according to a city alert posted Sept. 11. The work will continue through overnight hours.

The city's Central zone was sprayed Sept. 10 after a separate positive test.

FCPH also sprayed the north side and areas south of Zollinger Road on Aug. 24 after West Nile was detected then, ABC 6 reported.

Upper Arlington contracts with FCPH for mosquito management. The county places traps across the city, tests collected mosquitoes for disease and sprays only as a last resort, according to the city's mosquito control page. Crews use ultra-low volume (ULV) truck-mounted electric sprayers loaded with pyrethrum, a natural compound from chrysanthemum flowers, or its synthetic version, pyrethroids. Spraying happens after sunset to protect pollinators.

What residents should do

FCPH advises bringing pet food and water bowls inside before spraying starts. Ornamental fishponds should be covered. Outdoor furniture, toys and play equipment can be covered or rinsed with water afterward. Bring laundry in before crews arrive. Wash any exposed fruits or vegetables under running water before eating.

Residents do not need to stay indoors during spraying, according to FCPH's spray-schedule page. Pets left outside are safe, the county says. Anyone who contacts the pesticide directly should wash exposed skin with soap and water.

Residents can reduce mosquito breeding by emptying containers that hold standing water and cleaning bird baths twice a week. The city recommends wearing light-colored clothing, long sleeves and pants, and using repellent with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, especially at dawn and dusk.

Opting out and staying informed

Homeowners who do not want their property sprayed can file a Do Not Spray form through the FCPH mosquito management website. The form requires five business days to take effect, so it may not apply to Monday's spraying. It must be renewed each year.

Residents can also sign up for email spray notifications on the same FCPH site. The county posts its spray schedule and area maps at least 24 hours before each application.

Monday's spraying depends on weather. No makeup date has been announced if conditions force a postponement.