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Black Saltmarsh Mosquitoes Challenge Collier County During a Difficult Summer

by Jonathon Little, MBA their breeding habitat exists within environmentally sensitive
Director of External Affairs state and federal conservation lands. These protected mangrove
wetlands are not routinely treated for mosquito larvae, meaning
control efforts must focus primarily on adult mosquitoes once they
or residents of Collier County, summer often brings
move into developed areas.
warm weather, afternoon storms, and an unwelcome
Despite these challenges, the District works daily to reduce
F visitor: the black saltmarsh mosquito (Aedes
mosquito populations and improve quality of life for residents.
taeniorhynchus). This year has proven especially challenging,
Scientists and field technicians monitor mosquito activity
with environmental conditions creating ideal circumstances
throughout the county, allowing treatments to be timed as
for one of Southwest Florida's most aggressive nuisance
effectively as possible. In particularly vulnerable communities near
mosquitoes. The result has been persistent swarms that have
coastal breeding areas, additional control strategies, including
tested both residents' patience and the Collier Mosquito
targeted barrier treatments, help provide longer-lasting protection
Control District's ability to keep mosquito populations at
where appropriate.
tolerable levels.
While black saltmarsh mosquitoes are among Florida's most
Unlike mosquitoes that breed in standing water around
aggressive biters, they are considered primarily a nuisance species
homes, black saltmarsh mosquitoes originate in coastal salt
rather than a significant disease vector. Their relentless daytime
marshes and mangrove forests stretching through Rookery
and evening biting can make outdoor activities nearly impossible
Bay, the Ten Thousand Islands, and other protected coastal
during peak emergence periods, underscoring the importance
habitats. Females deposit their eggs in moist soil rather than
of both professional mosquito control and personal protection.
open water, where the eggs can remain dormant for months
Residents can help reduce exposure by using EPA-approved insect
or years until heavy rains or exceptionally high tides flood the
repellents, wearing long sleeves when practical, and limiting
marsh. When those conditions arrive, millions of eggs can
outdoor activity during periods of intense mosquito activity.
hatch simultaneously, producing enormous broods in just a
As Collier County continues through the summer rainy
matter of days.
season, weather patterns will remain the driving force behind
What makes this species particularly difficult to manage
black saltmarsh mosquito populations. Although the Collier
is its remarkable ability to travel. Adult black saltmarsh
Mosquito Control District cannot eliminate every mosquito
mosquitoes are powerful fliers capable of riding prevailing
emerging from thousands of acres of coastal marsh, its ongoing
winds 40 to 60 miles inland. That means mosquitoes emerging
surveillance, science-based control efforts, and rapid response
far from neighborhoods can quickly invade communities
remain essential tools for keeping one of Southwest Florida's most
throughout Collier County, even after local treatment efforts.
formidable seasonal pests under control.
Strong onshore and southeast winds this summer have
repeatedly carried fresh waves of mosquitoes into populated
To learn more or schedule a tour, please visit www.cmcd.org
areas, making control efforts short-lived as new broods
For more information, visit cmcd.org or call 239-436-1000.
continue to arrive.
Anyone interested in learning more about the District’s disease
The Collier Mosquito Control District has responded with
monitoring efforts or touring the laboratory and other facilities can
an integrated mosquito management approach that combines
request a tour by emailing info@cmcd.org.
surveillance, aircraft applications, ground treatments, and
The Collier Mosquito Control District works to safeguard the health
continuous monitoring. However, the District faces a unique
and well-being of our residents through the safest and most economical
challenge with black saltmarsh mosquitoes because much of
means available.
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 2026 71