Mosquito Control to Thousands More

By Patrick Linn, MS, MSHAPI
Executive Director, Collier Mosquito Control District

When seasonal residents return to our area this year, they might notice they are getting fewer annoying mosquito bites. On October 1, 2024, the Collier Mosquito Control District (District) expanded its boundaries to include areas of the county that have been developed over the last 20 years. Made possible by HB 509, which was sponsored by Rep. Lauren Melo during the 2024 Florida Legislative Session, this expansion brings our important public health services to communities such as Port of the Islands, Ave Maria, Naples Reserve and other recently developed areas east and north of Golden Gate Estates.

Southwest Florida is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and population projections call for exponential growth here in Collier County over the next several decades. Our new boundaries account for both areas that have already been developed and projected development. This ensures that when new homes are built our new neighbors will receive mosquito control services from the day they move in.

The District’s integrated approach to mosquito management has established us as an industry leader and ensures our best practices evolve as technology improves and scientific advancements are discovered. Expanding district boundaries also bolsters our efforts by opening up my areas for inspections and added opportunities for field trials to help keep a couple of steps ahead of these pesky insects.

We also use biological control methods such as mosquitofish, which can eat up to 100 mosquito larvae a day. Residents can request these fish for free, and they are perfect for areas of contained water that can’t be drained such as livestock troughs, rain barrels and ditches.

The map above shows the new district boundaries and the yellow areas highlight state and federal protected lands

Residents and visitors are encouraged to proactively interact with the District to help us provide the best possible service. Unlike other parts of the country, we have a 12-month long mosquito season and treat all year round. Treatment decisions are based on real time mosquito activity and do not occur on a set schedule. Anyone who would like to be notified when their area is being treated can sign up for text or email notifications on our website. Residents experiencing high volumes of mosquitoes can also request a field tech, and a member of our team will perform a property inspection and help to eliminate as many mosquito sources as possible.

Our tropical climate and proximity to the Everglades creates a thriving environment for mosquitoes, and it would be nearly impossible to live in this area without a robust mosquito control program. Our mission is to provide valuable service to the community through the suppression of both disease carrying and nuisance mosquito populations by and through the safest and most economical means available. We are excited to welcome our new and future residents to the district, and long forward to providing the same level of service that our community has been accustomed to since 1950.

Anyone who would like to learn more about how we monitor for diseases or would like a tour of the lab and other facilities, can request a tour by emailing us at info@cmcd.org.

To learn more about the Florida Mosquito Control Association, visit their website at www.yourfmca.org.
To learn more about the District or to sign up to receive treatment notifications, visit our website at www.cmcd.org.

The Collier Mosquito Control District works to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our residents through the safest and most economical means available. If you would like more information about how we control mosquitoes, please visit our website at cmcd.org or call us 239-436-1000.