Fight The Bite: Mosquito Art Contest Kicks Off In Shaker Heights

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — Mosquitoes are long legged menaces, pros at spreading disease and itchy red bumps. The World Health Organization has called the bug the most dangerous insect because of its ability to transmit sicknesses. A new contest in Shaker Heights wants to combat the blood suckers with an awareness and prevention campaign called Fight the Bite 2017.

The art campaign invites students in grades K-12 to craft pieces detailing a way (or ways) to halt mosquitoes. The student's work should be focused on a specific tactic for preventing or getting rid of the insect. (To stay up to date on these stories, subscribe to the Patch Shaker Heights newsletter. As news breaks and the story develops, you will be the first to receive updates from Patch.)

The tactics students can choose to illustrate are: drain any standing water that may attract mosquitoes, dawn and dusk are times to avoid being outdoors, dress appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants when outside, defense yourself against mosquitoes by using an effective insect repellent, door and window screens should be gap free, and department staff is available to help with mosquito problems.

Three groups of winners will be selected, with students being broken into the following three categories: K-3, 4-6, and 7-12. A panel of judges will select the best pieces based on creativity, originality, and effectiveness in communicating the message. Winners will then receive a prize, which will likely be a gift card to a local store, health department officials said.

"We're trying to really get kids involved," said Hannah Johnson, an environmental health technician with the Shaker Heights Health Department.

Besides getting some plastic cash to burn in the city, winners will also have their artwork displayed in Shaker Heights City Hall. All entries must be submitted by August 14, 2017. Entrants must also fill out a consent form, allowing the city to display the submitted art.

Entry forms can be downloaded here.

Photo from Shaker Heights Health Department