Collier Mosquito Control District and Residents Can Work Together to Fight the Bite and Prevent Illness

Jonathon Little, MBA Director of External Affairs Collier Mosquito Control District 

Since the beginning of September, it has become impossible to turn on the news and not hear about the dengue virus spreading throughout regions of Florida. So far, there have been hundreds of cases in the state, predominantly in the Tampa Bay area, and several counties have issued local states of emergency.

In Collier County, we have two species of mosquitoes that can transmit the dengue virus, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These species can be exceptionally troublesome because they live in very close proximity to people and prefer to feed on human blood rather than that of reptiles or birds.

Ae. aegypti is particularly challenging because it thrives in dense residential areas, breeding in small amounts of standing water found in everyday items. Flowerpot saucers, buckets, discarded tires, clogged gutters and other containers can provide ideal breeding sites. Even something as small as a discarded water bottle cap can breed hundreds of mosquitoes.

The Collier Mosquito Control District uses an integrated approach to target these mosquitoes, combining live field data, inspections and targeted treatments. Staff monitor mosquito populations, track suspected disease cases and identify areas of concern, helping determine where control efforts are needed.

The District typically targets Aedesaegypti mosquitoes before they become biting adults. Larvicides, including products containing organic Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), are applied using the District’s Buffalo Turbine trucks to containers of standing water where larvae are present. These treatments target mosquito larvae and effectively interrupt the mosquito lifecycle. Since adult mosquitoes are responsible for spreading dengue virus, the District uses a combination of truck, helicopter, and airplane treatments to reduce adult mosquito populations and help interrupt disease transmission. Due to widespread and general use of certain insecticides by private pest control and homeowners, the District uses different types of products, including organophosphate- and abamectin based materials, as part of its integrated approach to target Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

The entire community can also take important steps to help combat these mosquitoes that often breed in small containers on private property.

The most effective thing homeowners can do is to eliminate standing water. At least once a week, empty and scrub flowerpot saucers, buckets, toys and other containers. Turn over unused items, keep gutters clear, maintain pool covers and check outdoor furniture and tarps for trapped water. Regularly clean birdbaths and pet water bowls. If water can’t be removed, consider using a Btibasedlarvicide or request mosquitofish from the District.

Scrubbing containers is important because mosquito eggs can remain attached to their sides after the water dries. Those eggs can hatch when waterreturns.

Residents should also repair window and door screens, wear protective clothing when practical, and use EPA registered insect repellents according to label directions. Persistent mosquito problems can be reported to the District, allowing staff to investigate and determine whether additional control measures are warranted.

Should dengue virus continue to be a concern in Collier County, the District is ready to respond through science-based surveillance and targeted treatments to reduce Aedes aegypti mosquito populations and protect public health. Residents should expect to see an increased presence of mosquito control staff in residential areas, along with increased truck and helicopter activity. These efforts are focused on reducing mosquito populations in areas of concern and helping prevent the spread of dengue virus within our community. By eliminating standing water around their homes, residents can also help limit mosquito breeding and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease throughout Collier County.

Learn more about how you can help us fightthe bite by visiting: https://cmcd.org/science/disease-prevention/#5-ds