Mosquitoes like it hot, and Collier County has plenty of hot during the summer months.
As temperatures (and rains) increase, mosquito population numbers rise, and more biters increases the chance they can transmit disease. For example, the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito can spread diseases including Dengue, Chikungunya, Yellow Fever, and Zika. Also, the Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito is able to transmit West Nile fever and Saint Louise Encephalitis.
While the Collier Mosquito Control District follows the best practices of integrated mosquito management – including weekly trapping and testing of mosquitoes for any sign of disease – there are a few easy steps all residents can take to reduce the number of mosquitoes.
Protect yourself with the 5 D’s
The best plan is to not get a mosquito bite, and the District reminds residents to help keep you and your family safe by following the “5 D’s” of mosquito control:
DRAIN – Easy enough: when it rains, get into the habit of emptying anything with rain water at least once a week. This can make a big difference in decreasing the number of mosquitoes around your property. Mosquitoes deposit their eggs in still, standing water and in only five days, those eggs are adult mosquitoes. In fact, just a small bottlecap of water can produce about 100 mosquitoes!
DEFEND – Protect yourself and your family by wearing Environmental Protection Agency-recommended repellents that are proven safe and effective:
- DEET
- Picaridin
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus
- IR3535
DUSK & DAWN – Try to avoid outdoor activities during these times – it’s when mosquitoes are most actively flying and feeding.
DRESS – When it’s reasonable, cover exposed skin to block a mosquito’s bite – most cannot bite through clothing.