Thank you Columbus Public Health staff and thank you neighbors for your questions to inspire the safest possible Vector Control Plan for Columbus. This recent process reminds me of the value of working together for the things we care about.

Thank you Columbus Public Health staff for your time, for listening, and for your thoughtful response to the concerns citizens raise about Columbus’ Vector Control Program. The November 20th meeting resulted in an agreement to work together to help control West Nile Virus by engaging in proactive measures to lessen the need for spraying. There are things we all can do to reduce the risk of WNV infection. Spraying continues to be a protective measure, however–citizens can significantly reduce the habitat of the West Nile mosquito and also reduce unnecessary exposure to pesticide toxins. Our group and others will join with CPH to spread the word about these things such as keeping gutters clean and removing standing water from objects and places on our property, and from business properties that might harbor the larvae. Stay tuned for information and ongoing encouragement to make your property safer. CPH has immediately taken steps to more clearly inform us when spraying is needed and they have adopted procedures to more exactly identify opt-out properties. CPH will enlist precautions so that people in places such as bike trails and parks are protected from being caught unaware in spraying situations.

Thank you to Clintonville neighbors Jeff Frontz, Robin Chenoweth, and Dianne Blankenbaker for such insightful, probing questions to move observations about Columbus’ Vector Control Program toward productive dialogue. We will continue to see updates to the IPM plan in the coming year.

Read detailed information about NoSpray Columbus by clicking on the link located in the right side column (box titled “Links.”