Page 71 - LIN_ASO2025_web-file

Don’t Forget About Mosquitoes in Your Hurricane Preparation

by Jonathon Little

ike mosquitoes, hurricanes are a fact of life in Depending on the severity of the storm, it could take a day
Southwest Florida, and they are something that or two before CMCD can resume normal operations. However,
L Collier Mosquito Control (CMCD) actively plans for. there are things people can do after a hurricane passes to help take
Our area has received multiple blows from major hurricanes in care of their property and limit the opportunity for mosquitoes to
the last three years, and this planning allows CMCD to stay breed. This includes dumping out any containers of water that may
operational for as long as possible as a storm approaches and have accumulated during the story. If there is any standing water or
resume operations quickly after the storm passes. sustained flooding, Collier residents can request free mosquitofish
Planning for hurricanes starts well before a potential that eat up to one hundred larvae a day. Mosquitofish are also a
tropical threat pops up on the radar. CMCD reviews its plan great option for swimming pools that fill with storm water until
every May and team members are assigned to specific roles they can be drained and cleaned.
before hurricane season begins. As hurricanes approach, In the days directly following a storm it remains difficult to
this preparation allows our leadership to quickly snap into perform aerial treatments as lingering winds limit our ability to
action to shore up field data equipment, aircraft and CMCD send out planes and helicopters. However, that does not stop us
headquarters. Mosquito traps, which can become flying hazards from gathering field data and tracking mosquito levels. After
in high winds, are collected from the field and airplanes and a storm, our dedicated staff works on performing mosquito
helicopters are evacuated to hangars at higher elevations. surveillance and resetting traps throughout the District to allow us
Residents can also take steps to prepare before and after a to start treating again as quickly as possible.
hurricane arrives. Just as someone would stock up on canned Hurricane preparation is second nature in Southwest Florida,
goods, batters and prescription medicines, people should also and these tips can help those in the path of a storm remain safe and
make sure they have a healthy supply of mosquito repellent. comfortable from the threat of mosquitoes in the days and weeks
People often spend more time outdoors after a storm, especially that follow.
if they lose electricity and air conditioning. Having an EPA- Anyone who would like to learn more about mosquito control
approved repellent on hand can help keep your family safe operations and would like a tour of the lab and other facilities can request
from annoying mosquitoes at a time when conditions are ripe a tour by emailing us at info@cmcd.org
for mosquito activity. The Collier Mosquito Control District The Collier Mosquito Control District works to safeguard the health
recommends repellents with one of the following active and well-being of our residents through the safest and most economical
ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or means available.
IR3535.

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 | August, September, October 2025 71