Mosquito Fogging To Start July 30 In Solon

SOLON, OH — Mosquito fogging will begin in Solon on July 30, the city announced. Crews will spray for the bugs over two-days, hitting half the city on each day.

The Solon Service Department surveyed the city and trapped mosquitoes at different points in town. Based on the number of mosquitoes found in the traps, and residential calls about mosquitoes, officials decided to schedule a city-wide fogging.

The fogging will take place July 30 and August 1. If there is rain on either day, fogging will be moved to July 31 and August 2.

Fogging will begin at sunset and signage will be placed in areas designated for an evening fogging.

Fogging will be done in Solon Zones 1 and 2 on July 30 and Solon Zones 3 and 4 on August 1. If you're unsure what zone you live in, a map of the city has been posted online.

Fogging is the application of ultra low volume pesticides that target mosquitoes. All pesticides used by the city of Solon are evaluated and approved by the EPA, the city said on its website. Each pesticide is chosen based on how little impact it will have on the environment.

Summer is peak season for mosquito activity in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Health issued a series of tips to help residents avoid getting bitten.

"If you're going to be spending time outside, you need to be thinking about prevention and protection," said ODH Director Dr. Amy Acton. "Taking simple precautions can prevent potentially serious diseases caused by the bite of infected mosquitoes."

• Wear light-colored clothes, socks, long sleeves and long pants when going outdoors (even if it is hot).
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents when going outdoors. Follow the instructions on the bottle. Consider spraying your clothes with the repellent, since mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing.
• Try to avoid peak mosquito biting hours
• "Treat clothing and gear such as pants, boots, socks, and tents with a product containing permethrin, or buy permethrin-treated clothing or gear. Do not apply permethrin directly to skin," the ODH said.