Clark County health district collects tires to cut mosquito population

The Clark County Combined Health District will host two tire disposal days after West Nile Virus was found in mosquitoes trapped in Springfield.

Scrap tires are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes, according to Clark County Combined Health District Environmental Director Larry Shaffer.

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“They never break down and they hold water,” he said.

That standing water is perfect for mosquito breeding.

The health district will accept up to 10 tires for free on Saturday at the district’s headquarters, 529 E. Home Road, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Another tire disposal day will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 19 at Tecumseh High School.

Money for the events will be provided by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, he said, and will cost up to $15,000. The district is also working with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the Clark County Solid Waste District.

Tires will be transported to a disposal facility, he said, and recycled into crumb rubber.

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The tire disposal days are another step to decrease the mosquito population. The county has also fogged for mosquitoes, he said.

“We’ve had 19 counties submit mosquito samples that tested positive for West Nile Virus,” Shaffer said. “Fortunately we haven’t had any human cases yet.”

Shaffer hopes the district’s efforts to cut down the mosquito population will prevent infections in humans.

“Most people who contract the disease won’t know it. About 80 percent show no symptoms,” he said. “But for the 20 percent that do, it can be very debilitating or even deadly.”

People should continue to wear bug spray outside and long sleeves, he said, to prevent mosquito bites. Residents should also remove any items around their home that can hold water.

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“Our goal is to get rid of as much breeding source for the mosquitoes as we can,” he said.

Longtime Clark County resident Gary Stewart said he’s concerned about mosquito-borne illnesses.

“We do not go out in the early evening,” he said, “and if necessary we will put the DEET on.”

The tire collection days are a good idea, he said, but should happen more often.

“Get rid of those mosquitoes please,” he said.

More information about the tire disposal days is available on the Clark County Combined Health District's website at ccchd.com.

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