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Preparing for Summer Mosquito Season

by Jonathon Little, MBA
Director of External Affairs

s summer arrives in Southwest Florida, so does These tours offer an engaging way to learn about the science,
peak mosquito season. Increased rainfall and warm technology, and strategies used to protect public health. From
A temperatures create ideal breeding conditions, leading laboratory work to aircraft operations, visitors gain a deeper
to higher mosquito activity across Collier County. While appreciation for the complexity and importance of mosquito
this is a natural part of living in a subtropical environment, control efforts.
residents and visitors should know they are not alone in CMCD also participates in community outreach events
managing it. The Collier Mosquito Control District (CMCD) throughout the summer. These events provide opportunities to
offers a range of services and opportunities designed to help speak directly with staff, ask questions, and learn simple steps
the community stay comfortable and informed all season long. individuals can take at home, like dumping standing water, to
One of the most valuable services CMCD provides is the reduce mosquito breeding. Educational materials and resources
ability for residents to request a field technician. If mosquitoes are readily available, making it easy for everyone to play a role in
are becoming a nuisance in your neighborhood, a trained mosquito control.
technician can visit your property, assess the situation, and For those who prefer digital access, CMCD’s website offers
identify potential breeding sources. They will provide practical convenient tools to request service, report concerns, and explore
recommendations tailored to your specific environment educational content. Whether you are a year-round resident or
and, if necessary, implement targeted control measures. This visiting for the season, these resources ensure help is always
personalized approach not only addresses immediate concerns within reach.
but also helps prevent future mosquito issues. Mosquito season may be unavoidable, but with the support
Last year we experienced one of the worst salt marsh of CMCD, it is manageable. By taking advantage of available
mosquito seasons in nearly a decade. In June alone, we received services, participating in educational opportunities, and staying
more than 3,000 requests for service from residents. This also proactive, the community can enjoy a safer and more comfortable
led to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer summer.
Services issuing an emergency authorization to treat in To learn more or schedule a tour, please visit www.cmcd.org
areas outside of district boundaries, such as Everglades City, For more information, visit cmcd.org or call 239-436-1000.
Plantation Island and Chokoloskee. Anyone interested in learning more about the District’s disease
In addition to service requests, CMCD emphasizes monitoring efforts or touring the laboratory and other facilities can
education as a key component of mosquito control. Residents request a tour by emailing info@cmcd.org.
and visitors can schedule tours of the district’s facilities to gain The Collier Mosquito Control District works to safeguard the health
a behind-the-scenes look at how mosquito field data collection and well-being of our residents through the safest and most economical
and control operations are conducted. 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 | May-June-July 2026 71