Pictured above is a mosquito photographed in the area of East Fifth Street recently. The Union county Health Department is planning tire collection events on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Union County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Richwood Fairgrounds in an effort to help control mosquito numbers. (Journal-Tribune photo by Kevin Behrens)
The Union County Health Department is hosting two free tire collection days in October.
Collection dates are Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Union County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Richwood Fairgrounds.
“Scrap tires can collect water and become a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes,” said Allison Zandarski, environmental health program manager for the Union County Health Department (UCHD). “We hope this fall tire clean up can help residents reduce the mosquito populations around their homes.”
County residents are welcome to bring tires to either of the two events. Tires will be accepted until trucks are full or until 1 p.m., whichever comes first.
During the Oct. 19 event, residents should use the Main Street (Route 4) fairgrounds entrance. For the Oct. 26 event, residents should enter the fairgrounds from Gill Street.
Only passenger tires from cars, SUVs, trucks and vans will be accepted. Tractor, semi-truck and other large tires will not be accepted. All tires must be off-rim.
Those planning to attend are advised that there is limited space and tires will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ohio law states no more than 10 scrap tires can be transported by an individual without a special license.
For that reason, residents may bring as many loads of 10 tires each as they would like until the trucks are full.
The tire collection event is free for all Union County residents and is sponsored by a partnership between UCHD, the Union County Agricultural Society and the Richwood Fair Board.
The Union County Agricultural Society and the Richwood Fair Board are donating use of their respective fairgrounds, while UCHD is using grant funds awarded by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s mosquito control grant to fund the event.
Zandarski said the tire collection is part of ongoing disease prevention efforts by UCHD.
“Tires are a perfect breeding ground for mosquitos. Tires are difficult to drain and are often left in one place, collecting water year-round.
“By getting rid of tires that are left outside, we can eliminate some mosquito breeding grounds, which help reduce the overall mosquito population,” she said.
Mosquitoes are known to carry diseases like West Nile Virus and La Cross encephalitis. These diseases can be spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
In addition to using bug spray and avoiding peak biting hours at dusk and dawn, eliminating standing water around one’s home is an effective way to prevent mosquito bites.
“When we reduce mosquito populations, we reduce the chances for them to spread disease,” Zandarski said.
To learn more about the free tire collection day or the UCHD’s mosquito control and surveillance program, those interested may call 937-642-2053 or visit www.uchd.net.