Receding floodwaters in eastern Lucas County raise mosquito breeding concerns
Health officials urge residents to dump standing water as mosquito hatching expected within days
TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - Receding floodwaters in eastern Lucas County are leaving behind standing water that officials say could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department warned residents in a Facebook post about an expected mosquito hatching set to take place within the coming week. The Toledo Area Sanitary District is actively monitoring flooded neighborhoods where water has soaked yards, fields and low-lying areas.
Crews monitoring flooded areas
The Toledo Area Sanitary District said standing water can quickly turn into mosquito breeding sites. Crews are waiting until flooded areas are accessible and safe before they can evaluate potential breeding spots.
“We are actively monitoring these flooded areas, and we are inspecting that standing water, basically looking for mosquito populations and seeing if -- when applicable -- we can apply our treatment,” a Toledo Area Sanitary District official said.
Officials said crews are also collecting samples from standing water for testing.
“They are inspecting that water, taking back samples, bringing it here for us to test. We’re doing that surveillance. We want to see how many mosquitoes are out there and if we’re seeing any rise in disease population there,” an official said.
The ‘Four D’s’: How to protect yourself
Nicole Tuttle-Robb, community outreach and education coordinator with the Toledo Area Sanitary Division, said residents can follow four steps — called the “Four D’s” — to protect themselves.
“Dress, defend, dumping, drain. So dress — wearing that long sleeve, long pants, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing when you’re outside, especially in mosquito habitat. Also defend — an EPA approved repellent. And dump and drain. We recommend this especially now after the heavy rainfall like this,” Tuttle-Robb said.
Officials said mosquitoes can breed in flowerpots, old tires, buckets, and children’s toys. Residents are encouraged to check their property and dump any standing water.
Latest Local News | First Alert Weather | Crime | National | 13abc Originals
Copyright 2026 WTVG. All rights reserved.
