Mosquito Control is now Vector Control
What is a vector?
It is an organism, typically a biting insect or tick that transmits a disease or parasite from one animal or plant to another.
Mosquitoes
- Mosquitoes
-
The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness uses a scientific approach to control mosquito populations in our area called Integrated Vector Management (IMM). Surveillance, source reduction, biological controls, larvaciding (eliminating mosquito larvae) and adulticiding (eliminating adult mosquitoes) are methods we use to reduce the mosquito population in Jefferson County.
- Mosquito Fogging - One Way We Reduce Mosquito Population
-
Fogging operations are part of our Integrated Vector Management (IVM) plan. Fogging missions are scheduled on a case by case basis after evaluating a number of factors that include: disease presence, mosquito population density, and special human population considerations Click here to learn more about mosquito fogging.
To add your name and address for no fogging please contact, 502-574-5552. - Did you know ...
-
Draining water from containers around your yard is the most effective way to reduce mosquitoes. Bats will eat mosquitoes but really prefer other larger flying insects instead.
- Bug zappers actually attract mosquitoes to your yard.
- Citronella candles and mosquito plants do NOT deter mosquitoes!
- Mosquitoes are attracted to sweat and lactic acid that is given off when you exercise.
- Mosquitoes are attracted to CO2, which is the air you breathe out.
- People who wear lighter colored clothing get bitten less than those who wear darker clothing.
- Only female mosquitoes bite.
- There are 52 mosquito species in Jefferson County. Not all mosquitoes bite people.
It starts with you. You can do many things to protect your family from mosquitoes. Remember the 3 D's: Drain, Defend, Dress.
- Drain: Drain containers that hold water in and around your yard. By removing water, you eliminate places where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
- Defend: Wear EPA approved insect repellent that contains Deet, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, IR3535, or Picaridin. Always follow the instructions on the product label
- Dress: Wear long sleeves and pants, closed toe shoes, and avoid perfumes and scented lotions.
- Preventing Mosquito Breeding Grounds
-
- Gutters: Remove leaves and debris.
- Flowerpots: Pour out water from trays.
- Grill Cover: Ensure water doesn’t pool on top.
- Baby pool: Empty water every 7 days.
- Birdbath- Change water each week.
- Leaky faucets: Repair any leaks in faucets, hoses, or spigots.
- Tires: Drill holes in tire swings to allow water to drain.
- Trash cans: Keep lids on tightly. Drill holes in the bottom to allow for water to drain.
- Containers: Remove water collecting in buckets and toys.
- Ponds: Keep pools and ponds adequately treated.
- Place a fan outdoors when sitting on your porch.
- Mosquitoes are poor flyers and cannot fly against heavy winds.
- Maintain lawns by trimming hedges, keeping grass cut and removing heavy vegetation.
- Mosquitoes like hanging out in shady spots and places where vegetation is thick.
- Keep grass clippings and leaves out of storm drains and catch basins.
- As the grass breaks down, the mosquito larvae feed on the organic material.
- Clean out your ditch to keep water flowing. Stagnant water creates a perfect place for mosquitoes to lay their eggs.
- Repair or replace your window and door screens. If you can't remove standing water, use mosquito dunks found at most hardware stores.
- Mosquito Education Program
-
Educating the public is important in the elimination of mosquito-breeding habitats. Knowledge of mosquito biology, the mosquito life cycle and how mosquitoes spread disease is key to a successful program. This approach is used to reduce mosquito-borne disease, such as West Nile Virus, and to maintain a quality environment for all Jefferson County residents. We offer presentations and education about mosquitoes to schools, civic groups, community organizations and youth groups.
Please contact (502) 574-6650 to schedule for a LMPHW Mosquito Control representative to visit you today.
- Drainage Bond Inspections
- Resources
-
- US EPA Mosquito Control: https://www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol
- Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/index.html
- The American Mosquito Control Association: https://www.mosquito.org/
- Common Mosquitoes Found in Kentucky: https://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/entdept/faculty/Brown/index_files/Page570.htm
Ticks
- Ticks
-
Ticks are parasitic arachnids that are part of the mite superorder Parasitiformes. Adult ticks are approximately 3 to 5 mm in length depending on age, sex, species, and "fullness". Ticks are external parasites, living by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the number of tick-borne diseases is increasing at a record pace while the geographic range of ticks continues to expand. Lyme disease is the most commonly known tick-borne disease, but other diseases, such as ehrlichiosis and STARI, along with many other diseases have been discovered and the list of tick-related illnesses continues to grow.
Why are ticks such a problem?Reports have shown that the tick population has expanded in recent years, and the diseases they carry have become more prevalent. Tick-borne illnesses in the U.S. have more than doubled in the past two decades, due to factors such as increased awareness, a growing population, and environmental changes
Utilize our “T-I-C-K” rules of thumb:
- “T”- Take precautions, wear insect repellent
- “I”- Inspect your body for ticks and rashes
- “C”- Carefully remove the tick head and body of tick
- “K”- Keep monitoring your health for fever, body aches and rashes
- 'Spot a Tick and Share' Program
-
Find a tick? Please fill out this form.
How to remove a tick:
- Follow these steps to learn how to safely remove a tick
- Safely remove it and place it in an air-tight container. *Plastic Ziplock baggies are not an acceptable container.
- Add in rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to the container, enough to fully cover the tick.
- Label the container with your name and contact information and drop off the tick with a completed submission form to our office at 400 E. Gray Street, Louisville, Ky, 40202.
- We will identify the type of tick and, also test the tick for diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme, and Erlichiosis.
- Resources
-
- Prevent tick bites- https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html
- Tick Removal- https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html
- Tickborne illness symptoms- https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/symptoms.html
- How ticks spread disease- https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/life_cycle_and_hosts.html
- Diseases caused by ticks- https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/diseases/index.html
- Alpha-gal (red meat allergy/disease)- https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/alpha-gal/index.htmlcreate
Bats & Bed Bugs
- Bats
-
Bats are vectors for rabies and other diseases. For more information, please click here.
- Bed bugs
-
While bed bugs do not carry disease, they can be quite bothersome. For more information, please click here.
