World's deadliest animal is probably outside your Ohio home right now. Protection tips

What's the world's deadliest animal? Hint: It's plentiful in Ohio, and no, it's not a timber rattlesnake or even deer that cause car accidents.

According to the Centers for Disease Control the deadliest animal in the world is the mosquito.

"The mosquito kills more people than any other creature in the world," the CDC said, noting the flying nuisance spreads such diseases as malaria, dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, Zika and chikungunya virus.

The Ohio Department of Health lists 59 types of mosquitoes in the state, a few of which transmit diseases.

Here's what you should know, including how you can protect yourself and your family.

What mosquito-borne diseases are tracked in Ohio?

The Ohio Department of Health tracks travel and locally acquired cases of the following mosquito-borne diseases:

• Chikungunya virus

• Dengue virus

• La Crosse virus

• Malaria

• St. Louis encephalitis virus

• West Nile fever and West Nile encephalitis

• Zika virus

Ohio has more than 59 types of mosquitoes. See where mosquito-borne illnesses happen in Ohio

Ohio has 59 different species of mosquitoes, compared to about 3,500 species in the world, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Here's where mosquito-borne diseases have been reported in Ohio since August 2024, according to ODH's infectious disease dashboard:

• Ashtabula County: 2

• Athens County: 3

• Auglaize County: 1

• Butler County: 1

• Crawford County: 1

• Cuyahoga County: 19

• Delaware County: 2

• Fairfield County: 1

• Franklin County: 40

• Fulton County: 1

• Greene County: 1

• Hamilton County: 12

• Hancock County: 2

• Henry County: 1

• Licking County: 3

• Lorain County: 1

• Lucas County: 3

• Madison County: 1

• Medina County: 2

• Montgomery County: 5

• Muskingum County: 1

• Stark County: 1

• Summit County: 1

What attracts mosquitoes? How to protect against deadly mosquito-borne diseases

While there's not much we can do about some conditions mosquitoes are attracted to — this is Ohio — we should note mosquitoes are drawn to:

• Damp or humid areas.

• Standing water.

• Warm temperatures.

• Dark, shady areas.

• Carbon dioxide (your breath).

Myth or magic: Do mosquito-repelling plants really work?

Mosquitoes need standing water to lay their eggs. And they don't need much. Water in a bottle cap or can provides an ideal breeding ground.

Experts repeatedly encourage residents to empty flower pots, bird baths and any outdoor item that holds standing water — including bromeliads (a water-storing plant group that includes pineapples) — to stop mosquitoes from breeding.

Some people try to make outdoor living more bearable by selecting mosquito-repelling plants for their landscape, especially citronella and lavender. But do they really work?

“Certain plants do contain mosquito-repelling compounds,” says Liah Continentino, environmental horticulture agent with University of Florida/IFAS Extension Monroe County. “But unless you’re extracting their oils and applying them like a spray, they’re not doing much just sitting in your garden.

“Plants like eucalyptus, citronella, mint, basil, lavender and marigolds have oils that can deter mosquitoes. But the key word is ‘oils.’ These compounds need to be extracted and used in concentrated forms — like sprays — to be truly effective."

In other words, mosquito-repelling plants are more myth than magic — at least when it comes to passive protection, UF said in a news release.

So what can Ohio residents do to minimize mosquitoes?

Don't give up when it comes to enjoying outdoor living in Ohio. There are some things you can do and some do involve plants. Here are a few ideas:

• Reduce mosquito habitats

  • “This includes regularly emptying plant saucers, bird baths, pet water bowls and bromeliads, as well as any other water-holding plants. Refreshing bird baths and pet bowls with clean water several times a week and flushing bromeliad cups with a hose can help prevent larvae from developing,” said Jennifer Pelham, UF/IFAS urban horticulture agent and director of UF/IFAS Extension Martin County.

• Use plants in your landscape to attract mosquito predators

  • "For dragonflies, which are highly effective mosquito hunters, they are drawn to native aquatic plants. For birds, include shrubs and trees that supply food, shelter and nesting areas,” said Lorna Bravo, urban horticulture agent with UF/IFAS Extension Broward County.

• Use fish to control larvae

  • For permanent water features, such as ornamental ponds, UF/IFAS recommends adding mosquito-eating fish like Gambusia to naturally control larvae.

• Cover rain barrels with screens and refresh pet water bowls daily to prevent mosquito access.

• Encourage mosquito predators in your yard, including fish, dragonflies, birds and bats.

What are the best mosquito repellents to use?

According to the CDC, repellents with the following active ingredients "typically provide reasonably long-lasting protection":

• DEET

• Picaridin

• Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or PMD

  • "Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus specify that they should not be used on children under age of 3."

• IR3535

• 2-undecanone

"Certain products containing permethrin are recommended for use on clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear, and are registered with EPA for this use."

Items that don't work to repel mosquitoes

"There are many gimmicks for sale that do not work, so be an educated consumer and don’t waste your money on impulse buys," the Florida Department of Health said. Some items that are not effective for reducing mosquitoes include:

• Mosquito plants.

• Bug zappers.

• Consuming garlic, vitamin B, and bananas.

• Repellent bracelets and wristbands.

• Ultrasonic devices and cell phone apps.

• Dragonfly mimics.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Rattlesnakes aren't Ohio's deadliest animal, mosquitoes are. 59 types in OH