CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Ross County Health District will conduct mosquito spraying in portions of Ross County next week after mosquito traps in the area tested positive for West Nile virus.
Adulticide spraying is scheduled to begin after 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, in portions of Union and Green townships and part of Ward 3 in the city of Chillicothe.
Health officials said the spraying may be postponed if weather conditions include rain or high winds. If that occurs, the spraying will be rescheduled for the evening of Thursday, Sept. 10.
The health district noted that it is not uncommon for mosquito collections to test positive for West Nile virus.
Areas scheduled for spraying
The Ross County Health District said adulticide treatment will occur in:
- Union Township
- Green Township
- Part of Ward 3 in Chillicothe
The treatment will use Duet, an adulticide mosquito-control product. According to the health district, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has evaluated and approved Duet for ground and aerial applications in outdoor residential and recreational areas.
When applied according to label directions, the treatment is not expected to harm people, pets, animals or the environment.
Health officials have also checked FieldCheck/BeeCheck and contacted individuals with registered beehives in the scheduled spray area. The health district said bees and other pollinators are not likely to be affected because they generally are not active during evening spraying hours.
Residents urged to protect themselves
The Ross County Health District is encouraging residents to take steps to reduce their risk of mosquito bites, particularly during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Officials recommend:
- Using EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors.
- Wearing light-colored clothing.
- Wearing clothing treated with permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent for additional protection.
- Eliminating standing water around homes, including water in flowerpots, bird baths, tarps, gutters and other containers.
- Limiting outdoor activity from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Mosquito larvicide tablets are also available from the Ross County Health District on a first-come, first-served basis for standing water that cannot be emptied.
West Nile virus
Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. About one in five people may develop symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, nausea or a rash.
In rare cases, the virus can lead to severe illness and potentially fatal complications. People over age 60 and those with certain chronic health conditions face a higher risk of severe illness.
There are currently no vaccines to prevent West Nile virus or medications specifically available to treat the infection in people.
Residents can opt out
Residents who do not want adulticide spraying in front of their homes can request to opt out by contacting the Ross County Health District at 740-775-1158 or [email protected].
Opt-out requests must be received by noon on the scheduled day of spraying.
Residents can find additional mosquito-control information through the Ross County Health District.
