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April Showers Bring May Mosquitoes

by Patrick Linn, MS, MSHAPI
Executive Director, Collier Mosquito Control District
ach year as our seasonal residents These mosquitoes can lay their eggs in something as small as
return north for the summer, a soda bottle cap that is holding water. Anyone who has areas of
ESouthwest Florida prepares to standing water that are not able to be poured out may request free
welcome a different type of visitor. Due mosquito-eating fish from the District.
to Florida’s subtropical climate, our area While salt marsh mosquitoes can cause a nuisance, these
experiences mosquitoes year-round. However, mosquitoes such as Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex
during the summer rainy season, the nigripalpus and Culex quinquefasciatus pose serious health concerns.
mosquito population grows exponentially. The Aedes mosquitoes are known to transmit tropical diseases such
The start of mosquito season in the late as yellow fever and dengue, while the Culex mosquitoes carry diseases
spring often brings a heavy dose of Aedes such as encephalitis and the West Nile virus.
taeniorhynchus, informally known as salt marsh mosquitoes. These Dengue has become especially prevalent in Florida, with an
mosquitoes lay their eggs in mangrove beds, where they can lay exponential growth in cases over the last several years. This has led
dormant for years. When high tides come in and saturate the beds, many experts to believe that the virus is now endemic to the state.
the eggs start to develop. At the adult stage, large broods of salt Earlier this year Puerto Rico declared a state of emergency due to
marsh mosquitoes come off the coast and use prevailing winds to Dengue, and tourism and commerce between Florida and Puerto Rico
travel up to 40 miles. means that we are likely to continue seeing more cases throughout the
While these mosquitoes don’t carry disease, they are extremely state.
aggressive biters. Collier Mosquito Control District (the District) We enjoy many perks of living in Southwest Florida, but the
recommends using bug spray and wearing long sleeves, when climate that draws so many people to our region also creates a perfect
possible, to protect yourself. Due to their migratory nature, salt breeding ground for disease carrying mosquitoes. Throughout the
marsh mosquitoes can pose challenges when it comes to treatment. summer, the District will be monitoring our community daily to
District aircraft can treat mosquitoes that are present at the time identify problem areas and promptly jump into action to alleviate the
of treatment, but during salt marsh season broods are continuously threats posed by these insects. However, the entire community needs
coming off the coast replacing the mosquitoes that have just been to do their part in fighting the bite. By remembering the “Four Ds”,
taken down. you can help your family have a safe and fun summer:
As we move deeper into the rainy summer months, disease Drain Drain standing water from containers around your home.
carrying mosquitoes that breed in standing water become more Dress Wear long sleeves and pants outdoors when it is reasonable.
prevalent. Unlike the salt marsh mosquito, everyone can help Defend Use an EPA approved mosquito repellent with DEET,
limit the population of these mosquitoes by maintaining pools picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
and fountains and emptying containers of standing water on Dusk & Dawn Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active.
their property.
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.

Life in Naples | April 2024 71