By Paula Pyzik Scott

On Wednesday, June 4 the Village of Bluffton resumed seasonal application of a chemical to reduce the mosquito population in the Village. A chemical called Duet Adulticide is used. This product has been used locally for about 10 years.

Assistant Village administrator Bryan Lloyd provided the following information on application. Mosquito spraying will be done on Wednesday evenings, weather permitting (above 50* and not raining). During long dry periods, the Village may take weeks off depending on mosquito population. Spraying occurs on Thursdays when conditions don't allow application the previous night.

Spraying takes place from about 9:00-midnight. The product is most effective while the mosquito population is active.

The application vehicle drives from 5-20 miles per hour. The machine uses GPS to determine rate of speed and flow quantities. Application rate is around 1 oz per acre.

Lloyd also provided the attached FAQ Sheet for Duet Adulticide which includes information about exposure to people, pets, houses, cars, etc. It reads in part, "People and pets can be outdoors during the application.... If you choose to remain indoors, the spray (mist) will dissipate quickly through the treatment area (in 5-30 minutes, depending on weather conditions). The low application rate and wide area dispersal of the spray ensure that exposures are minimal."

For information about mosquito-borne diseases, visit the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) HERE.

Mosquito-borne diseases known to occur in Ohio include Eastern equine encephalitis virus, La Crosse virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus and West Nile virus. ODH recommends the use of clothing and insect repellants on exposed skin to avoid mosquito bites.

ODH also recommends reporting the presence of dead birds, which may be a sign of West Nile virus and other diseases.