Franklin County Public Health (FCPH) will spray for mosquitoes in the Plain Township/New Albany South zone on Tuesday, Sept. 29, starting at 8:30 p.m., weather permitting.
The spraying follows a positive West Nile virus test from local mosquito traps, Plain Township announced on X on Monday, Sept. 28.
In past announcements, the South zone has been described as primarily covering areas along and south of Dublin-Granville Road. Residents should check the FCPH spray schedule map at mosquito.myfcph.org/spray-schedule-maps/ for exact 2026 boundaries.
What residents should do
FCPH recommends several precautions during and after spraying:
- Bring pets indoors.
- Stay inside with windows closed for about 30 minutes after spraying passes your area.
- Wash skin with soap and water if you come in contact with any pesticide.
- Bring laundry inside before spraying, or rewash items left out.
- Wash exposed garden fruits and vegetables before eating them.
- Wait about one hour before letting children play in treated areas.
FCPH uses Merus 3.0, a botanical pyrethrin derived from chrysanthemum flowers and listed with the Organic Materials Review Institute.
Part of an active spray season
Tuesday's operation marks at least the fourth time FCPH has sprayed in the New Albany/Plain Township area this season after positive West Nile trap results. The agency sprayed the South zone on June 18, both the North and South zones on Sept. 3 and the North zone on Sept. 10. Gahanna's west and south sides were also sprayed on Sept. 24.
FCPH sets mosquito traps from mid-May through September to monitor for high mosquito counts and West Nile virus activity. When traps test positive, the agency schedules sprays to reduce mosquito populations.
Opting out or staying informed
Residents who prefer not to have their property sprayed can submit a Do Not Spray form through FCPH's website. The form must be completed each year. Residents can also sign up for spray-schedule updates at myfcph.org.
If weather forces a postponement Tuesday, no rescheduled date has been announced. Residents can check FCPH's website and Plain Township's social media accounts for updates. FCPH can also be reached at (614) 525-3719.
