Public health to spray for West Nile mosquitos

DAYTON, Ohio — More mosquitos have tested positive for West Nile virus in western Ohio, leading to Dayton and Montgomery County’s mosquito control program to spray the area. 

There are three areas that will be sprayed by Public Health on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at dusk including: 

• Waymire Ave neighborhood / Greenwich Village Streets (Waymire, Greenwich Village)
• Walnut Hills Park (Illinois, Buchanan, Highland and alley)
• Valleycrest Landfill (Valleycrest, Vull and Semler)

The exact time of the spraying will depend on weather conditions.

Health officials said while it is not uncommon for the insects to test positive for West Nile virus, the program is designed to help educate about the diseases the insect may carry and how to reduce the insects’ population and protect themselves from bites. 

Officials said signs will be placed in the areas being sprayed, but residents can get more information by calling (937)-225-4362.

The product being sprayed in Duet, an adulticide mosquito control product which the EPA has evaluated and determined does not pose a significant risk to people or animals when used according to label guidelines. 

Health officials said residents in the areas being sprayed should know:

• People and pets may be outdoors
• The mist will dissipate within 5-30 minutes, depending on weather conditions
• The Duet spray is not corrosive and does not stain

Officials said there have been no human cases of West Nile virus in Montgomery County so far in 2025. Last year, no human cases were reported and two cases were reported in 2023. 

Steps that residents can take to protect themselves include:

• “Use EPA-approved mosquito repellent containing DEET and follow the label directions
• If you are outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, be sure to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks
• Wear light-colored clothing, which is less attractive to mosquitoes
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home
• Make sure all roof gutters are clean and draining properly
• Eliminate standing water in your yard as well as from flowerpots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.”