Ohio Officials Urge Residents to Protect Themselves During Peak Tick and Mosquito Season

As Ohio enters the height of summer, state health officials are encouraging residents to take extra precautions against ticks and mosquitoes, which can carry diseases that pose serious health risks.

The Ohio Department of Health says tick activity remains high across much of the state, with Lyme disease continuing to be the most commonly reported tick-borne illness in Ohio. Officials are also monitoring mosquito populations for West Nile virus through surveillance programs conducted in counties across the state.

Health experts recommend using insect repellent containing DEET or other EPA-approved ingredients, wearing long sleeves and pants when walking through wooded or grassy areas, and performing thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors. Pet owners are also encouraged to check animals for ticks and discuss preventative treatments with their veterinarians.

Residents can help reduce mosquito populations around their homes by removing standing water from flowerpots, bird baths, gutters, buckets and other containers where mosquitoes breed.

With many Ohioans spending time outdoors during the Fourth of July holiday and throughout the summer, health officials say a few simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of insect-borne illnesses.

The Ohio Department of Health will continue monitoring mosquito and tick activity throughout the summer and encourages residents to report concerns to their local health departments.