CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER

Lyndhurst Ohio prohibits spraying for mosquitoes
07/12/03

by Jesse Tinsley

Lyndhurst - The city has banned the spraying of pesticides to control mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus.

City Council this week voted 5-2 for the ban. Councilman Scott Picker said the risks of spraying far outweigh the benefits. Few mosquitoes carry the virus, he said.

West Nile Virus causes some victims to become seriously ill with encephalitis or meningitis, according to Cuyahoga County health officials. But many people have been infected without knowing.

"Many victims have no symptoms and experience no ill effects from West Nile Virus," Picker said. "Upon exposure, the chances of contracting West Nile Virus are rare."

He also said that pesticides are sprayed 20 feet from a truck in the street and never make it to back yards.

Instead of spraying, Lyndhurst will advise residents to eliminate standing water, the breeding ground for mosquitoes.

During warm weather, the Cuyahoga County Board of Health and some municipalities spray pesticides to combat mosquitoes.

Free-lancer Chris Kastner contributed to this story.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
jtinsley@plaind.com, 216-999-4889