Louisville City Wire

You have likely already heard the buzz informing you that mosquito season is officially here. To protect Jefferson County residents from diseases the pests can carry, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) is out in the community actively treating known breeding grounds, trapping mosquitoes and testing them for diseases such as West Nile virus, St. Louis Encephalitis virus, La Cosse Encephalitis virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus.

Each spring and summer, LMPHW mosquito control experts treat 14,500 catch basins to eliminate mosquito larvae as well as 8,982 miles of swampy areas and large areas of land known to collect standing water. The department also places 148 mosquito traps around the city and county.  

“As we work to combat mosquitoes, we are also urging people to protect themselves from mosquito bites and also help prevent them from breeding,” said Connie Mendel, senior deputy director at LMPHW. “This is especially important as we head into the Memorial Day holiday weekend, summer festivals, events and vacations where people will be spending much more time outside.”

To protect you and your family from mosquitoes, remember the three D’s: Drain, Defend, Dress.

Drain: Prevent mosquito breeding grounds by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, toys, pet water dishes, discarded tires and drain birdbaths on a regular basis.

Defend: Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. To optimize safety and effectiveness, repellents should be used according to the label instructions. More information about insect repellents can be found here.

Dress: Wear long sleeves, long pants, socks and closed-toed shoes when outdoors. Avoid perfumes and scented lotions.

“You should take extra precaution during peak mosquito biting hours of early morning and dusk,” Mendel said. “Wear insect repellant and protective clothing or consider avoiding outdoor activities altogether during these times.”

While mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus are endemic to Louisville, none have been found yet in 2023. When West Nile virus is found, the department initiates mosquito fogging in those areas. The department also notifies the public of the presence of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus and the specific areas where fogging will occur.

Here is West Nile case data from previous years:  

•    2022 - 3 human cases, 1 death
•    2021 - 1 human cases, 0 deaths

•    2020 - 0 human cases, 0 deaths

•    2019 - 2 human cases, 1 death

•    2018 - 5 human cases, 0 deaths

To make a complaint about mosquitos in your neighborhood, call Metro311 or 502-574-5000. To learn more about mosquitoes and ways to prevent mosquito bites, visit mosquito control and prevention web page.

Original source can be found here.