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Where Are They Coming From?
by Patrick Linn, MS, MSHAPI
Executive Director,
Collier Mosquito Control District
ou’ve retrieved the morning paper
and just settled down to check the
Yheadlines…but wait – your ankles are
itching with newly acquired mosquito bites!
You and your friends are enjoying a
relaxing Naples sunset when a distinct, high- as honeybees or dragonflies. It poses no toxicity to people and is
pitched buzzing prompts frantic swatting and approved for use in organic farming operations. Not only does the
a rapid retreat to the indoors.
Where are these annoying mosquitoes
coming from? It’s wintertime, it hasn’t rained in days, and you
don’t see any standing water. The answer to
the question may require the expertise of
a Collier Mosquito Control District field
technician because not all mosquito sources
are as obvious as an open 5 gallon bucket of
standing water.
The District’s highly trained field
technicians can help find the source of
these blood suckers with a complimentary
inspection. Our technicians are trained to
find the obscure spots on your property (or
in nearby areas) where mosquitoes can be
breeding or are hunkered down during the
day.
While it is true that mosquitoes require
standing water to breed and lay eggs, the
standing water may be harder to find in the
dryer winter months. In Southwest Florida’s
subtropical environment, both water and
warm (enough) temperatures remain
abundant in the winter months. Given
these conditions, eggs will mature into
flying, biting adults in as few as 7 days. If a
breeding site is found during inspection, the
District’s technicians can suggest solutions
and likely apply a one-time treatment of
larval control material. By identifying the
source and preventing the larvae from
emerging, adult mosquito populations can be
reduced greatly.
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One of the most effective means of larval control in
“undrainable” water is the application of Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis
subspecies israelensis). Bti is a biological bacterium found in soils,
and its toxins only affect the larvae of mosquitoes, black flies, and
fungus gnats. These toxins do not affect other types of insects such
District use this product extensively, it can also be purchased in
gardening and home improvement stores.
The District’s field technicians will also perform a careful
inspection to determine where adult
mosquitoes may be hiding during daylight
hours. One of the most unassuming spots
they’re found is under shrubs and in
piles of horticultural debris. That’s why a
well-groomed property is not inviting for
mosquitoes.
More than 50 species of mosquitoes are
found in our area, and some species have a
considerable flight range so the source may
lie well beyond the limits of your little slice
of paradise. In that case, knowledge is power,
and we’ll provide you with all you need to
protect yourself and loved ones from these
pests.
To request a field technician inspection for
your home or business, please use the form on the
District’s website:
cmd.org/request-field-technician or
call us: 239-436-1000.
Want to learn more about the District’s
operations and integrated mosquito management
program? We offer public tours of our facilities
for groups, and our Outreach team conducts
presentations for HOA meetings, civic
organizations, and other interested groups.
Please call our office for more information.
Visit the District’s website at cmcd.org
Life in Naples | February 2023