+ [Animal Bite Investigation
    >
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  + 
  + [Food Safety Program
  + [Nuisances
  + [Water Safety Program (Well and Septic)
* COVID-19 Information
  + [COVID-19 Vaccine
* Bureau of Community Health Services
  + Medical Services
  + [Communicable Disease Reporting
  + [Emergency Preparedness
  + [Project DAWN
  + [Tobacco Use Prevention
  + [Workforce Development
  + [TCHD Forms
## **Mold**
| TCHD often receives calls from the community about mold contamination in homes and businesses.  "Black mold" is a cause of concern for many individuals.  Just because mold is black or dark in color does not classify it as toxic "black mold".  The "black mold" classified as toxic Stachybotrys is quite rare.  However for mold to be appropriately classified it needs to be tested by a laboratory or mold consultant. Molds are very common in buildings and homes and will grow indoors anywhere there is moisture.**There are no standards or laws in regard to mold levels.Since no standards or laws exhist our Department does not conduct mold inspections.**   | Picture |
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  + [Animal Bite Investigation
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## **Bed Bugs**
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Bed bugs have been common in U.S. history. Although bed bug populations dropped dramatically during the mid-20th century, the United States is one of many countries now experiencing an alarming resurgence in the population of bed bugs. Though the exact cause is not known, experts suspect the resurgence is associated with increased resistance of bed bugs to available pesticides, greater international and domestic travel, lack of knowledge regarding control of bed bugs due to their prolonged absence, and the continuing decline or elimination of effective vector/pest control programs at state and local public health agencies.
**At this time scientific evidence does not show that bed bugs spread disease.**
In recent years, public health agencies across the country have been overwhelmed by complaints about bed bugs. An integrated approach to bed bug control involving federal, state, tribal and local public health professionals, together with pest management professionals, housing authorities and private citizens, will promote development and understanding of the best methods for managing and controlling bed bugs and preventing future infestations. Research, training and public education are critical to an effective strategy for reducing public health issues associated with the resurgence of bed bug populations.
Bed bugs should not be considered as a medical or public health hazard. Bed bugs are not known to spread disease. Bed bugs can be an annoyance because their presence may cause itching and loss of sleep. Sometimes the itching can lead to excessive scratching that can sometimes increase the chance of a secondary skin infection.
Tuscarawas County Health Department  provides educational information for prevention and remediation of bed bugs.
The State Fire Marshall can be called in on inspections to help with compliance in commercial business.
Tuscarawas County Health Department responds to complaints when an apartment complex has an infestation of more than one tenant in the complex or if there is an infestation in a common area of the complex. If a single unit in an apartment is infested the tenant is responsible for remediation.
If you have further questions or concerns regarding Bed Bugs contact TCHD at 330-343-5550.
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## **Resources**
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| **​​Ticks** | Picture |
**Preventing Tick Bites**
Avoid direct contact with ticks
- Avoid wooded or bushy areas with high grass
- Walk in the center of trails
Repel Ticks
- Use repellants that contain 20 to 30 percent DEET on exposed skin and clothing for several hours of protection
Find and Remove Ticks from Your Body
- Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors
- Conduct a full body check
- Examine gear and pets
- Tumble dry clothes in dryer on high heat for an hour to kill ticks
 **​Removing Ticks**
1. Use fine tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure.  Do not twist or jerk the tick
3. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the skin area with rubbing alcohol
4. Dispose of live tick by submersing it in alcohol, placing in a sealed bag, and wrapping tightly with tape
5. Never crush a tick with your fingers
If you develop a rash or fever within several weeks of removing a tick, see your doctor as soon as possible.  Be sure to tell them about your recent tick bite.
| Picture | **Preventing Tick Bites on your Pet**  Dogs are susceptible to tick bites and tick borne disease. Signs of tick-borne disease may not appear for 7 to 21 days or longer after the bite. To reduce the chances that ticks will transmit disease to you or your pets:- Check your pets daily for ticks- If you find a tick remove it right away- Ask your vet to conduct a tick check at each exam- Talk to your vet about using a tick preventativeNote: cats are extremely sensitive to a variety of chemicals.  Always consult with your vet before applying any repellants.   *Information obtained from the Ohio Department of Health* |
| Picture | Picture |
## Did you know that you can submit a tick for species identification?
| The Ohio Department of Health accepts ticks (or photos of ticks) year-round for species identification. The CDC does not recommend testing ticks for diagnostic purposes. Call 614-752-1029 with any questions. Submitting a Tick:• Place the tick in a leak-proof container, such as a pill bottle. If the tick is alive, add a small drop of water. Ifthe tick is dead, add a few drops of rubbing alcohol. Seal the container in a plastic bag.• Complete the form below. Place the form and the tick in a padded envelope for shipping OR you can submit the tick to our Environmental Health Services staff, and we can submit the tick for testing on your behalf. Call or email us to plan a time to drop off your tick specimen at  or 330-343-5550.• Mail the tick to: Zoonotic Disease Program Tick IDOhio Department of Health8995 East Main Street, Building 22Reynoldsburg, OH 43068• Instead of mailing the tick, photos can be sent to  along with the form below.  |  |
**Resources:**
**Public Pools and Spas**
| ﻿﻿Inspected to minimize safety hazards, reduce potential risk for disease transmission and assure that waters are in compliance with ordinances as outlined in  of the Ohio Revised Code and​  of the Ohio Administrative Code.   | Picture |
| Applications/Forms          | **Safe Swimming Tips** |
## **​Solid Waste Program**
| ​​Under the authority of the , the Tuscarawas County Health Department Solid Waste Program regulates the transportation, collection, storage, and disposal of solid wastes, construction, and demolition debris in order to protect public health, welfare, and to prevent unsanitary conditions and nuisances.      ---    **Questions? Please contact:** Environmental Health Services(330) 343-5550 or  |  |
## Solid Waste Hauling
| ​All individuals involved in solid waste collection and transportation must obtain a Waste Hauler Permit from TCHD. To find out about exemptions and additional requirements, please refer to the "Tuscarawas County Solid Waste Code" tab. |  |
## Clean Hard Fill
| ​​Clean hard fill is made up solely of reinforced or non-reinforced concrete, asphalt concrete, brick, block, tile, and/or stone. This type of material can serve multiple functions, including altering grades or being recycled for new construction projects. Anyone involved in filling or storing clean hard fill must submit a Notice of Intent to Fill to the TCHD Solid Waste Division before placing the material. For further details, please refer to the attached guidance document from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the TCHD Solid Waste Code. |    |
## Yard Waste
| ​​Yard waste refers to organic materials like leaves, grass clippings, branches, and tree trunks, and it constitutes a significant portion of our waste. TCHD strongly advises residents against mixing yard waste with regular household trash. The best way to handle yard waste is through composting, as disposing of it in landfills or through illegal dumping and burning not only wastes precious landfill space but also leads to environmental problems like leachate runoff, pest attraction, and decreased air quality. TCHD encourages everyone to think about composting the yard waste produced on their property, leaving grass clippings on the lawn, or taking yard waste to a certified collection or composting facility for responsible disposal. |  |
## Recycling and Other Resources
Please visit the Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Joint Solid Waste District by clicking **** for information on yard waste disposal methods and local disposal sites, recycling and more.
## **Tattoo & Body Piercing Permits**
| Germs can be transmitted quite easily between individuals, particularly during tattooing or piercing procedures. In Tuscarawas County, the Body Art Program is responsible for inspecting and licensing body art establishments, as well as overseeing the practices of body artists to safeguard both clients and the wider community. This is in accordance with Chapter 3701-9 of the Ohio Administrative Code and Chapter 3730 of the Ohio Revised Code. Additionally, the program provides support to new business owners in setting up their body art ventures to help them comply with essential regulations.    | Picture |
| Application:    | **Questions?Please contact:**(330) 343-5550 |