Public Works Mosquito Spray Program

Once the warmer evening temperatures move into the area, we begin to see an emergence of the mosquito population in our communities.

When warm temperatures are remaining constant, spraying efforts are more likely to be effective.

Absolutely the most effective way to control mosquito populations on your property is to take personal precautions such as emptying free-standing water, cleaning gutters, and removing debris and large leaves from your yard.

Mosquitoes are opportunistic, and will find and breed in a wide variety of places around the home. Any water-holding location can become a breeding site for mosquitoes. A half-cup of water can breed enough mosquitoes to cause a problem. You can get rid of your mosquito problems simply and without using pesticides by eliminating breeding locations around the home and yard.

The County sprays areas on a rotating basis Monday through Thursday, weather permitting, from 5 pm until 10 pm.
Spraying must be discontinued during rain and during winds of 10 mph or greater.

Mosquito Spraying and Control Reminders

• The mosquito spraying trucks will not spray areas where residents are outside.

• Questions or comments should be directed to the environmental control, Monday through Thursday.

• Please do not stop drivers, as they must discontinue spraying.

• If the lights on top of the vehicle are on, spraying is taking place.

• New spray is odor free and equipment is much quieter. If light is on, area is being sprayed.

• The most effective mosquito control measures are for citizens to help reducepopulations in their homes and yards. Eliminate stagnant water in gutters,flowerpots and unmaintained pools. Clean roof gutters and outdoor debrisfrom yards.

• Avoid heightened mosquito times. Stay indoors from 7 pm until 7 am, wearlight-colored protective clothing, and use mosquito repellant containing DEETwhen outdoors.

Selected References

Identification guide to common mosquitoes of Florida. http://fmel.ifas.ufl.edu/Key/index.htm

Mosquitoes: Public Health Pesticide Applicator Training Manual. http://vector.ifas.ufl.edu/

Pests In and Around the Home . UF/IFAS, CD-ROM.

FMEL Encephalitis Information System at http://eis.ifas.ufl.edu

The Florida Medical Entomology Lab's Fact Sheet on Personal Protection (ENY-671 - Mosquito Repellents)

Featured Creature at http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/

Entomology and Nematology Department website at http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/