PRESS RELEASE
June 29, 2015Hamilton County Health Department
Division of Vector Control
Heavy rains and widespread flooding this June have led to high mosquito populations in many parts of Hamilton County. As the July 4th weekend approaches, Hamilton County residents are advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites while enjoying outdoor activities. For optimum protection the Health Department recommends individuals:
- Wear long sleeves, pants, socks, and shoes when outdoors
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET, Picardie, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR353 to any exposed skin
- Keep mosquitoes outside by keeping doors and windows closed or making sure screens are in good repair.
In addition, all Hamilton County residents are asked to do the following in order to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around their home:
- Remove all unneeded containers that hold water (tires, cans, bottles, buckets, jars, drums, and other trash / rubbish)
- Dump and invert wheel barrows and kiddie / toddler pools when not in use
- Change water in birdbaths and pet bowls weekly
- Inspect water in flower pots and plant containers weekly
- Clean rain gutters
- Drain and fill tire ruts, stagnant pools, and puddles
- Place tight covers over cisterns, cesspools, septic tanks, tubs, and rain barrels where water is stored
- Keep the margins of ponds clear of vegetation and stock ornamental ponds with top – feeding minnows.
The Hamilton County Health Department collects and tests mosquitoes for West Nile Virus (WNV) and St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE). No WNV or SLE activity has been detected in Hamilton County at the time of this Press Release. However, WNV has been confirmed to be active in Indiana already this season. WNV is detected in Hamilton County every year and residents should remain vigilant in preventing mosquito bites.
Current West Nile Virus and St. Louis Encephalitis surveillance data can be found at https://gis.in.gov/apps/ISDH/Arbo.
To report stagnant water, a neglected swimming pool, or mosquito nuisance, please call(317) 776 – 4006 or fill out our Mosquito Control Online Form.
