Mosquito surge expected in Hamilton County following flooding

The Hamilton County Health Department urges residents, particularly those in areas impacted by recent flooding, to take steps to prevent an increase in mosquito breeding.

The Health Department’s Vector Control Team is actively monitoring and treating areas throughout the county, with particular attention to communities impacted by flooding. But with thousands of properties across Hamilton County, health officials say mosquito control is a community effort.

LeMaster

“The flooding actually gave us a temporary break during a time of year when we would normally expect to see a lot of mosquitoes because so much of the standing water where they breed was washed away,” Health Department Administrator Jason LeMaster said. “Now that the floodwaters have receded, new breeding grounds are forming.”

Mosquitoes can breed in surprisingly small amounts of water, including water collected in buckets, flowerpots and saucers, children’s toys, tarps, clogged gutters, tires, wheelbarrows, birdbaths, and other outdoor containers.

Residents are encouraged to walk around their property at least once a week and tip, toss, or drain anything holding water. Birdbaths and pet water dishes should be emptied, scrubbed, and refilled regularly. Gutters and drains should also be checked to make sure water is flowing properly.

Residents can also protect themselves from mosquito bites by using an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors and wearing long sleeves and pants when practical.

“While many mosquitoes that emerge following flooding are generally nuisance mosquitoes, species capable of transmitting illnesses such as West Nile virus are also present in Indiana,” LeMaster said. “Eliminating breeding sites and preventing mosquito bites remain important throughout mosquito season.”

For more information about mosquito prevention and the Hamilton County Health Department, visit HamiltonCounty.in.gov/Health.