MANSFIELD — The consistently wet week has altered the planned mosquito spraying schedule in Richland County.

Richland Public Health will be conducting mosquito spraying, weather permitting, in the following locations on Thursday, July 13:

South of Sampsel Road, East and North of Reynolds Road, West of Co. Hwy. 243, Bloominggrove Township.

South of Hook Road, North of Snodgrass Road, Near St. Rt. 314, Sandusky Township.

Light and Life Christian Camp, Madison Township.

All spraying will be conducted before dawn. This schedule is subject to change. Any schedule changes will be posted on the Richland Public Health social media and/or website at www.richlandhealth.org.

Preventing Mosquito Bites

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, which includes puddles, stagnant ditches, and containers such as old tires, buckets, cans, neglected swimming pools and flower pots. Mosquitoes can carry diseases, including West Nile Virus, which can cause serious illness. It is important to apply mosquito repellent when participating in any outdoor activity when mosquitoes are active.

Richland Public Health recommends following these tips to help avoid mosquito bites:

Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.

Repair or replace all torn screens in your home.

Remove all discarded tires from your property.

Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers.

Make sure roof gutters drain properly. Clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs. If not in use, keep pools/saunas empty and covered.

Drain water from pool covers.

Change the water in birdbaths at least once a week.

Turn over plastic wading pools, and wheelbarrows, etc. when not in use.

Clean ditches of obstructions so they drain properly.

Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.

Check trees for cavities that hold water and fill them with soil, gravel, or sand.

Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties

Use insect repellent and follow the label directions.