Page 71 - November2026LifeInNaples

Collier Mosquito Control District and Residents Can Work

Together to Fight the Bite and Prevent Illness

Jonathon Little, MBA The District typically targets Aedes based larvicide or request mosquitofish
Director of External Affairs aegypti mosquitoes before they become from the District.
Collier Mosquito Control District
biting adults. Larvicides, including Scrubbing containers is important
ince the beginning of September, products containing organic Bacillus because mosquito eggs can remain
it has become impossible to turn thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), are applied attached to their sides after the water
Son the news and not hear about using the District’s Buffalo Turbine dries. Those eggs can hatch when water
the dengue virus spreading throughout trucks to containers of standing returns.
regions of Florida. So far, there have water where larvae are present. These Residents should also repair window
been hundreds of cases in the state, treatments target mosquito larvae and and door screens, wear protective
predominantly in the Tampa Bay area, effectively interrupt the mosquito life clothing when practical, and use EPA-
and several counties have issued local cycle. registered insect repellents according
states of emergency. Since adult mosquitoes are to label directions. Persistent mosquito
In Collier County, we have two responsible for spreading dengue virus, problems can be reported to the
species of mosquitoes that can transmit the District uses a combination of truck, District, allowing staff to investigate and
the dengue virus, Aedes aegypti and helicopter, and airplane treatments to determine whether additional control
Aedes albopictus. These species can be reduce adult mosquito populations and measures are warranted.
exceptionally troublesome because they help interrupt disease transmission. Due Should dengue virus continue to
live in very close proximity to people to widespread and general use of certain be a concern in Collier County, the
and prefer to feed on human blood insecticides by private pest control District is ready to respond through
rather than that of reptiles or birds. and homeowners, the District uses science-based surveillance and targeted
Ae. aegypti is particularly challenging different types of products, including treatments to reduce Aedes aegypti
because it thrives in dense residential organophosphate- and abamectin- mosquito populations and protect public
areas, breeding in small amounts of based materials, as part of its integrated health. Residents should expect to see an
standing water found in everyday items. approach to target Aedes aegypti increased presence of mosquito control
Flowerpot saucers, buckets, discarded mosquitoes. staff in residential areas, along with
tires, clogged gutters and other The entire community can also take increased truck and helicopter activity.
containers can provide ideal breeding important steps to help combat these These efforts are focused on reducing
sites. Even something as small as a mosquitoes that often breed in small mosquito populations in areas of
discarded water bottle cap can breed containers on private property. concern and helping prevent the spread
hundreds of mosquitoes. The most effective thing homeowners of dengue virus within our community.
The Collier Mosquito Control can do is to eliminate standing water. By eliminating standing water around
District uses an integrated approach At least once a week, empty and scrub their homes, residents can also help limit
to target these mosquitoes, combining flowerpot saucers, buckets, toys and mosquito breeding and reduce the risk
live field data, inspections and targeted other containers. Turn over unused of mosquito-borne disease throughout
treatments. Staff monitor mosquito items, keep gutters clear, maintain pool Collier County.
populations, track suspected disease covers and check outdoor furniture and
cases and identify areas of concern, tarps for trapped water. Regularly clean Learn more about how you can help us fight
helping determine where control efforts birdbaths and pet water bowls. If water the bite by visiting: https://cmcd.org/science/
are needed. can’t be removed, consider using a Bti- disease-prevention/#5-ds

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Life in Naples | November 2026 www.LifeInNaples.net
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