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Tires create prime breeding environments for mosquitoes
Gambusia mosquito fish eat mosquito larvae as part of when they fill with water. If we have a wetter than normal
CMCD’s integrated pest management program. winter, remember to empty any standing water on your
property after rainfall to limit breeding grounds.

Seasonal Residents May Face Unfamiliar Mosquitoes During A Potentially Wet Winter

by Patrick Linn, MS, MSHAPI
Executive Director, Collier Mosquito Control District
n a typical Southwest Florida winter, Clothing with long-sleeves and long pants are a great way
we welcome back our seasonal to protect yourself against mosquito bites. In the summer, this
Iresidents and enjoy a reprieve from the can be unbearable due to the heat, but this type of mosquito-
heat and humidity of the tropics. However, resistant clothing should be much more comfortable this time
this winter may come with thousands of of year. When outdoors, make sure to also wear EPA-registered
uninvited guests, mosquitoes. repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or Oil of Lemon
After an abnormally dry summer, the Eucalyptus.
fall months brought heavy rainfall and Residents should also avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes
high tides to our region, providing fertile breeding grounds are most active during dusk and dawn. And lastly, while it is
for mosquitoes. There is strong evidence that these trends will popular to open doors and windows to enjoy the beautiful weather
continue into the winter as meteorologists expect an El Niño as temperatures drop, if mosquitoes are actively breeding, this
weather pattern. allows them to sneak into your house if you don’t have screens.
El Niño is caused by warmer-than-average waters in the If you are experiencing mosquitoes in your neighborhood after a
eastern Pacific Ocean. This pattern is associated with warmer rainfall, keeping doors and windows closed can help keep them out
and drier weather in the northern United States but wetter of your home.
weather for states in the Gulf Coast region, like Florida. Collier County is home to over 50 species of mosquitoes, and
Ultimately, it’s likely we will see a higher-than-average a handful of them can spread diseases, such as Dengue virus. The
population of mosquitoes over the winter months. The potential added population during winter months provides mosquitoes with
for high mosquito populations coupled with the influx of an even greater opportunity for disease transmission should we
seasonal residents to Collier County could pose a significant experience increased rainfall this year. These steps can help keep
public health risk. your family and pets safe from these annoying pests and the viruses
Because many of our part-time residents may have never they transmit during the winter months and holiday season.
experienced a summer mosquito season in Southwest Florida, The Collier Mosquito Control District actively monitors and
the Collier Mosquito Control District would like to provide treats mosquitoes in our area 12 months a year. If we do experience
actionable information that we typically provide to the a wet winter, we will be here to treat mosquitoes for the safety and
community during the summer months. comfort of our community.
Because the aquatic stage of the mosquito lasts 5-7 days Want to know more about the science behind mosquito control?
after rainfall, be sure to check your property and empty any Are you looking for someone to speak at your group’s next meeting?
standing water in containers around your home at least once Visit the District’s website at cmcd.org or call 239.436.1000.
per week. We also offer mosquito fish for standing water
that cannot be drained. These fish love to snack on mosquito
larvae and are native to southwest Florida, making them a
sustainable component of our integrated approach to mosquito
management.

Life in Naples | December 2023 71