Mosquito Control
How does the Health Department control mosquitoes?
Hamilton County employs an integrated mosquito management methods that are endorsed by the CDC and EPA are comprehensive and specifically tailored to safely counter each stage of the mosquito life cycle. Larval control through water management and source reduction, is a critical pest management as is use of the environmentally friendly EPA-approved larvicides currently available. When source elimination or larval control measures are difficult to acheive, or when disease presences is identified, the EPA and CDC have emphasized the need for considered application of adulticides. Local health staff are certified applicators and trained by the Office of the Indiana State Chemist in the special handling characteristics of these products.
Our mosquito management program includes the following elements:
1. larval and adult mosquito sampling;
2. source reduction;
3. larviciding and adulticiding, when indicated by surveillance;
4. resistance monitoring;
5. disease surveillance in mosquitoes, and humans
6. public education.
West Nile Virus
Adult mosquitoes are routinely collected and tested for West Nile Virus (WNV) in Hamilton County. When mosquitoes are found positive for West Nile Virus, truck mounted spraying will take place at sunset and cover a buffer area of approximately 1 mile around the positively sampled area. Truck mounted spray is not done for nuisance mosquitoes and is not harmful to humans or pets. West Nile Virus activity peaks in August and September so make sure you're protected.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Remember these resources when enjoying the outdoors:
Zika Virus
Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon.
In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil. The outbreak in Brazil led to reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome and pregnant women giving birth to babies with birth defects and poor pregnancy outcomes.
In response, CDC has issued travel notices for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
For Indiana information see the Indiana State Department of Health - ISDH Zika Virus
Hamilton County Educational Presentation Zika PDF
Mosquito Prevention Tips
Mosquitoes lay eggs in still water, which hatch in 7 to 10 days. If standing water is eliminated weekly, many mosquitoes will be kept from breeding in the first place...and with fewer mosquitoes, you can have more fun in your yard and throughout Indiana! Here are some things you can do:
- #1 Remove standing water in ponds, ditches, clogged rain gutters, flower pots, plant saucers, puddles, buckets, garden equipment and cans.
- Check for items that might hold water including barbecues, toys, pool covers, tarps, plastic sheeting, boats, canoes and trash.
- Avoid mosquitoes by staying indoors at dawn and dusk when the bugs are most active.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors.
- Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Use only 10% DEET on children, and make sure everyone washes their hands well so that they do not get any creme in their eyes or mouth. Follow directions carefully.
Learn more about DEET.
Fight The Bite – Eliminate Backyard Breeding Sites
Press Releases
Hamilton County Positive WNV Sample Locations -2020
| Reported Date |
Sample Location / Area |
City | Spray Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08/28/2020 | Gunther Blvd & SR 32 | Noblesville | 08/31/2020 |
| 09/02/2020 | 98th & Cambrey | Carmel | 09/03/2020 |
| 09/03/2020 | 2nd & Washington St | Noblesville | 09/03/2020 |
| 09/03/2020 | 116th & Shelbourne Rd | Carmel | 09/03/2020 |
| 09/14/2020 | SR37 & 191st | Noblesville | 09/15/20 Site Treatment |
| 09/15/2020 | Meadowlark Park | Carmel | 09/16/20 Site Treatment |
| 09/15/2020 | 103rd & New Jersey | Carmel | 09/16/20 Site Treatment |
Spray Schedule Information for Positive Sites
- All spraying activities are weather forecast dependent related to precipitation and wind speed.
- All spraying has an approximate start time of 8:30 p.m or local sunset.
- In the event of inclement weather (high winds or precipitation) individual routes will be rescheduled on the following business day.
- Please be aware that nuisance biting activity is increasing and that the Hamilton County Health Department only adulticide sprays for mosquitoes in known areas of positive West Nile Virus activity.
Sign up to receive Text and Email of spray schedule updates by using the NOTIFY ME button on the Hamilton County homepage and select "Health Updates" from the News Flash list.
Request Services
- To contact the Vector Control Program, please call 317-776-4006 or citizens may also submit a mosquito breeding site through an Online Request for Mosquito Control.
No Spray Registration
- The Health Department is currently working to develop a No Spray Registry. Until constructed, please contact vector control by phone or use the Online Request for Mosquito control above.
- Individuals with medical conditions.
- Agricultural sensitive areas (i.e. Bee Hives) can register their hives on Drift Watch Beecheck web site. Data is drawn from this site and layered on local GIS maps used during spray applications.