Monroe County, Indiana

Mosquito Control                                                                       

The Monroe County Health Department works closely with the Indiana Department of Health staff on mosquito surveillance and trapping of adult mosquitoes in Monroe County. The Monroe County Health Department responds to all mosquito complaints. When standing water that breeds mosquitoes cannot be eliminated, it can be treated with larvicides to prevent the emergence of mosquitoes and the spread of vector-borne illnesses. 

Monroe County Code Chapter 362
The vector control code states that a person who owns, leases, occupies, possesses, or has charge of any land, place, building, structure, stacks, or quantities of wood, hay, corn, wheat, or other grains or materials, or vessel or watercraft: "shall not permit the above to become infested with pests or vectors having adverse health significance to humans, domestic animals, or livestock."

Culex Mosquitoes Culex is a genus of mosquitoes, of which several species carry and transmit mosquito-borne viruses of significant concern to human health. Culex's role as the primary transmitter of West Nile Virus is its most notable feature. The Culex mosquito prefers shallow, shaded, standing water in which to breed and lay its eggs. Potential breeding sites for these mosquitoes often include wooded areas (especially those with shaded areas, and standing water), small ponds, bird feeds, clogged roof gutters, old tires, recycling containers & garbage cans, and even your pet's water bowl. Some mosquito species are known to breed in spaces as small as a bottle cap!

West Nile Virus
The risk level for human West Nile Virus (WNV) infection in Indiana is about average compared to the rest of the United States. According to the Indiana State Department of Health, there were 175 WNV infections in mosquitos and 4 WNV disease cases in humans in 2019. Monroe County had no lab-confirmed positive results for West Nile Virus in mosquitos, humans, birds, or horses in 2019. 

How Can I Help? 
The MCHD is always looking for volunteers and suggestions for trapping sites across the county to increase the activity of our trapping and testing program. Areas with frequent mosquito activity during dawn and dusk and wooded areas with sufficient standing water are conducive for Culex mosquito activity. 

Click here to recommend a site for trapping

Please contact one of our General Environmental Health Specialists for more information: ehsgeneral@co.monroe.in.us or by phone: 812-349-2543, option 5. Office hours for staff are normally 8am to 9:30am Monday through Friday for walk-ins. We urge you to make an appointment prior to walking in as staff may be out of the office doing field work.            

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