Environmental Division News:

Please call us or use the contact submittal form on our website.

With decreased staffing in the environmental division it is highly recommended that you contact us by phone or through the contact us function on this site.  If you feel it necessary to speak with someone directly, the best times to reach the division will be between 8 -9 am and 4 - 4:30pm.  There will be significant amounts of time each day where there will be no staff in the office to handle walkin issues.  Voice messages received will generally be returned at the end of the day.

Energy Smart Home Program:

The City of Elyria has received funding through the Department of Energy to assist homeowners in reducing their energy usage.  The City of Elyria Energy Smart Home Program provides funds for two programs available to all Elyria homeowners on a first come first served basis.

A thermostat program will provide a free Energy Star rated digital thermostat and installation to 2300 owner occupied homes.  A weatherization program will provide rebates on installation of Energy Star rated natural gas furnaces, hot water heaters and or insulation.

There are no income restrictions for the thermostat program.  Annual household income will be used to determine the amount of rebate for the weatherization program.

To apply: Contact the City of Elyria Community Development Department at 326-1541 or click here to view a list of available applications.  These applications must be returned to the Community Development Dept.  For more information contact Mary Bird at 326-1540.

Bed Bugs

In the last decade, bed bugs have made a return across the country.  The reduction in available pesticides, the ease of travel and the reliance by some on used furnishings have lead to their return.   While any structure can be infested, bed bugs are more frequently found in dwellings with a high rate of occupant turnover such as hotels, shelters and apartment complexes.  

Bed Bugs are reddish brown in color about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch long.  They lay eggs that are very difficult to remove from surfaces.  They are blood feeders that hide during the day and feed at night.  They primarily feed on humans.  They are not known to transmit diseases but their bites may itch for up to 2 weeks and some persons may develop swellings similar to mosquito or flea bites.

Tell tale signs of bed bugs:

Look for blood stains from crushed bugs or rusty spots of excrement on sheets, mattresses, bed clothes and walls.  Fecal spots, eggshells and shed skins may also be found.  In severe cases, an offensive sweet, musty odor may be present.

Where to look for bed bugs:

Bed bugs prefer fabric, wood and paper surfaces, usually close to their blood source.  Initially look in the tufts, seams and folds of the mattress or box spring or on the bed frame.  Hiding places in severe infestations may include: window and door frames, electrical boxes, baseboards, headboards, other pieces of furniture, pictures, wall hangings, loosened wallpaper, draperies, cracks in plaster, ceiling moldings and the tack boards of carpeting.

Prevention:

This is the key!!! It requires some personal responsibility.  It is much easier to prevent a bed bug infestation than it is to get rid of one.  Inspect clothing and luggage of travelers before entering the house.  If considering used furniture, inspect it carefully for bugs or fecal spots before taking it into your house or apartment.

How to get rid of them?

Getting rid of bed bugs is not easy; there is no magic one shot pesticide to spray.  Getting rid of an infestation usually requires the help of a licensed pest control operator and a lot of work by the resident(s) or tenants.  After finding the hiding places, getting rid of bed bugs requires repeated vacuuming and scrubbing to remove egg deposits. (Vacuum bags should be double bagged and stored outside until properly disposed of.)  Infested items such as clothing, shoes, bedding and blankets should be laundered in hot water and placed in the dryer on high heat setting for at least 20 minutes.  If mattresses and box springs are involved, they can be placed in zippered covers for at least a year AFTER being vacuumed and scrubbed.  Do not attempt to spray or chemically treat for bed bugs on your own.  You may make the problem worse or cause it to spread.  In addition, most over the counter pesticides are not effective against bed bugs.  Most importantly, never spray insecticides directly on sheets, blankets, pillows, mattresses or box springs.   If renting, this is not just a landlord issue.  Tenants must take some personal responsibility and actions.  Tenants must help identify the hiding places of the bugs, vacuum, launder and scrub infected items and comply with requests from the landlord, especially if treatment is scheduled.  A coordinated effort by both tenant and landlord is the only way an infestation can be remedied.

Click here for mold information from the U.S. E.P.A.

Remodeling an older home? 

ECHD has a HEPA vac for use. Through an Ohio Department of Health program, ECHD has received a High Efficiency Particle Accumulator (HEPA) vacuum.  These vacuums will collect up to 99% of dust and debris, and are especially useful where lead paint may be involved in the home.  This vaccum is available for use by all Elyria residents.  Please contact the environmental division at 323-7595 for program details.

Click here for lead information from the U.S. E.P.A.

Bike helmets still available

For several years now, ECHD has offered youth bike helmets for the low cost of $7.00.  Contact 284-1560 for details.

Recalls

In addition to food products, many other items are recalled for safety reasons. Click Here for a link to official product recall information.

Environmental Division Programs:

 

The Environmental Division provides many services that touch nearly every corner of the Elyria community.  The division works closely with the local police and fire departments, zoning and building officials, and public health nurses and social workers.  It also helps connect people with appropriate programs that can lead them to a safer, healthier life.  Program areas include:

 

Inspection of manufactured home parks

Inpection of food services and retail food establishments

Inspection of schools

Inspection of public swimming pools and spas

Inspection of tattoo/piercing establishments

Issuance of household sewage treatment system permits for areas of the city not serviced by the municipal sewer system

Response to and investigation of nuisance complaints and animal bites

Response to environmental incidents and collaboration with other agencies as needed to resolve them

Provision of educational opportunities to the community on environmental topics

Inspects infectious waste generators, and regulates infectious waste storage, treatment, transportation and disposal

Investigates illegal dumping activities and enforces cleanup