Press Release: Take Precaution Against Increased Mosquito Activity

August 14, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Carrie Brunson, Environmental Supervisor or Karla Kreczmer, Manager Phone: (574) 971-4600

With the upcoming Labor Day weekend, after-school sporting events starting, and the temperatures on the rise again, it is important for residents to be vigilant and implement protective measures while enjoying time outdoors. Increased mosquito activity may put individuals more at risk for mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The Elkhart County Health Department (ECHD) monitors mosquitoes throughout the county for these diseases, and WNV has been found this year. Precautions should be taken to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from mosquitoes.

Common precautions include:

• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are active (especially dusk to dawn and early morning);
• Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothes and exposed skin;
• Cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors;
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of the home.
• Talk to your veterinarian about protecting your pets from mosquito-borne diseases.

Even a container as small as a bottle cap can breed mosquitoes, so residents should take the following steps to eliminate potential breeding grounds:

• Discard old tires, tin cans, ceramic pots or other containers that can hold water;
• Repair failed septic systems;
• Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed;
• Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains;
• Frequently replace the water in pet bowls;
• Flush ornamental fountains and birdbaths periodically and aerate ornamental ponds.
• Keep swimming pools cleaned, chlorinated, and operating.

ECHD will continue to monitor for mosquito-borne diseases throughout Elkhart County. Mosquitoes typically remain active until the first hard frost of the season. It is important to continue to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from mosquitoes for the remainder of the season.

Please contact the Elkhart County Health Department if you have questions at (574) 971-4600.