Vector Control

A vector is typically defined as an organism that transmits a pathogen or disease from one host to another. The Cuyahoga County Board of Health conducts a Vector Control Program which addresses public health concerns associated with pests, such as mosquitos and rodents. Specific information pertaining to mosquito control is available in the Mosquito Surveillance & Control Program section of this web site. Rats are also potential vectors of disease and are addressed in the Rodent Control Program section of this web site. Information on diseases transmitted by Ticks is also available in a fact sheet on this web site.

The Board of Health's Vector Control Program utilizes an integrated pest management approach to reducing the potential spread of disease via mosquito and tick populations in Cuyahoga County. This approach combines activities in public education, surveillance, and biological/chemical control methods.

Public education is an important component in the Board of Health's approach to reducing the chance for vector disease transmission. Sanitarians are often requested to speak at public meetings, community groups, and other associations to provide basic information on vector control and to discuss methods to reduce the residents' potential exposure to vectors.

Surveillance activities include response to complaints, investigation of hospital disease reports, collecting mosquitoes for encephalitis testing, and surveying potential rodent and mosquito breeding sites. Specimens, including ticks and mosquitos, are sent to the Ohio Department of Health for identification and possible testing for the presence of any potentially transmittable vector-borne diseases.

Environmentally sound chemical controls are applied to effectively treat stagnant water sources such as catch basins, roadside ditches, and woodland pools which often breed mosquitoes. Adult mosquito control is conducted in response to disease activity through ultra-low volume evening sprays, when adult mosquitoes are the most active.

For more information please contact by email, or call Joe Lynch, Program Manager, at 216-201-2001, ext. 1241.