Franklin County Public Health will spray for mosquitoes across all of Upper Arlington on Aug. 24, after West Nile virus was detected in traps on both sides of the city.
Spraying will cover both zones simultaneously: all areas north of McCoy Road and all areas south of Zollinger Road. Trucks will begin rolling at approximately 9 p.m., weather permitting.
Both zones at once is new.
This marks the third spraying event in Upper Arlington this season and the first to target both areas on the same night. Franklin County Public Health previously sprayed north of McCoy Road on Aug. 17 and south of Zollinger Road earlier this month, each time after a single trap tested positive. The city's alert, posted Aug. 20, confirmed that gravid traps in both areas now show positive results for West Nile virus, prompting the expanded response.
Upper Arlington contracts with Franklin County Public Health for its integrated mosquito management program. The county sets more than 150 traps weekly across Franklin County to sample mosquito populations, identify species and test for West Nile virus.
What residents should do Monday night
According to Franklin County Public Health, remaining indoors during spraying is not required but is an option. The agency recommends residents:
- Bring pet food and water bowls inside before spraying begins
- Cover ornamental fishponds
- Bring laundry indoors
- Cover or rinse outdoor furniture, toys and play equipment with water after the application
- Wash any exposed fruits or vegetables under running water before eating
Anyone who comes in direct contact with pesticides should wash exposed skin with soap and water. Residents on foot should not approach spray trucks. If a truck approaches, make yourself visible to the driver and walk in the direction the truck is heading; drivers are trained to shut off the spray.
Mosquitoes capable of carrying West Nile virus are most active between dusk and dawn, making August and September the peak risk period. Most people infected with West Nile do not develop symptoms, though older adults and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious illness.
Residents can sign up for spray notifications and view schedule maps at mosquito.myfcph.org. Franklin County Public Health can be reached at (614) 525-3160.
