Although mosquitoes may bug most people, those with respiratory problems might find the fog used to fight the pests even more annoying.

Beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, the Ironton City Health Department will begin spraying for mosquitoes in conjunction with Ohio Pest Control.

Those who have respiratory problems, such as asthma or upper respiratory infections, should close their windows and shut off any window unit air conditioners until the fog from the sprayer settles.

George Disney, Ironton's health commissioner, said spraying is an important step in reducing the health risks poised by mosquitoes.

"We just want to reduce the population, get rid of as many as we can," Disney said. "They can carry disease or the West Nile virus, which is down in Ohio this year, which is wonderful."

Disney said that the sprayings would go on for two evenings from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

To help the city eliminate mosquitoes, the health department is asking residents to help eliminate breeding grounds, which can be in as little as a teaspoon of water, near their homes.

The health department also suggests repairing leaky faucets, disposing properly of old tires, maintaining gutter systems, changing water in birdbaths weekly, removing trash, emptying water from flower pots, filling in puddles and chlorinating pools to help stop mosquito problems before they start.

For more information, residents can call the Ironton City Health Department at (740) 532-2172.