If you’ve ever noticed, those annoying little critters seem to like some people more than others. So, why is that? Dr. Bazzoli said there are some changes you can make, like wearing loose clothing as well as bug repellent, reducing your alcohol intake, and avoiding areas where there is standing water. Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water and need it to breed. If you do wind up getting bit, he said to be sure to wash the bite with warm soapy water. You can use ice to help with the inflammation. For itchiness, he recommends using an over-the-counter itch cream or taking a non-drowsy antihistamine. It’s also very important that you don’t scratch the bite.

May 15, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency: COLUMBUS, OH (May 15, 2024) – Fifty-eight local health departments and municipalities across 47 Ohio counties are receiving $1,060,682 in grants from Ohio EPA for mosquito control activities, including $188,368 for the removal of scrap tires, which can become breeding grounds for mosquito larvae. The funding will help mitigate the spread of mosquito-borne viruses such as West Nile, La Crosse Encephalitis, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

The Ohio Department of Health says only a few mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile this summer, and no human cases have been reported. In samples collected by the city of Delphos, there has been no detection of the virus. Mosquitoes prefer stagnant water to lay their eggs, and they can hatch in as little as seven days. The key is to avoid creating a habitat for these nuisance pests.

As summer rolls in, it's time to start keeping an eye out for mosquitos and ticks when you're out and about. The director of environmental health at Allen County Public Health says that it's best to wear long sleeves and tuck your pants into long socks to avoid bites from summer pests.

Although late in the season, Ohio has seen its first reported human death from West Nile Virus. It's reported that a 68-year-old man in Lucas County died from the disease. Two fatal cases of West Nile have already been confirmed in horses in the state. Last year six people in Ohio died from the mosquito-borne virus while 65 cases were reported. Mosquitoes are still prevalent at this time of the year and the health commissioner recommends clearing out any standing water near your homes and keep doors and windows closed as often as you can. 

Authorities in Hancock County say West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquito pools in a city park. Hancock Public Health says it received notice from the Ohio Department of Health that samples from mosquito pools in Swale Park, taken in late July, tested positive for the virus. The testing is part of a countywide mosquito surveillance program that runs from May to September.

With the recent rain, standing water is a problem in some areas, and could mean you may have to be on the lookout for more mosquitoes. Allen County Public Health officials say it's important people watch for standing water on their property since it only takes about seven days for mosquitoes to go from being eggs to flying away as adults. They recommend draining or treating water that's sitting in places like birdbaths, and to take precaution from getting a mosquito bite.

A deadly disease carried by mosquitoes has made a reappearance in the region.