COLLIER MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT
Disease Prevention
Mosquitoes aren’t just a nuisance; some species can transmit diseases to people and pets. Protect yourself by knowing the 5 D’s and being aware of where they may be breeding around your home.
STAY INFORMED, STAY SAFE
Mosquitoes Spread Diseases
The female mosquito is the deadliest animal on the planet
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mosquito-borne diseases kill over 725,000 humans each year. Several of the mosquito species found in Southwest Florida are capable of transmitting diseases to humans and other animals.
Mosquito-borne diseases found in Florida include West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis and dog heart worm. Many other mosquito-borne diseases are found in different parts of the world and can be brought back to Florida if a resident returns after being infected. These diseases include Chikungunya virus, Dengue virus, Yellow fever virus, Zika virus and Malaria.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was originally established to prevent the spread of malaria in the United States. It was headquartered in Atlanta near the “Malaria Belt,” which included much of the State of Florida. Thanks in large part to mosquito control, Florida is now a habitable paradise. Through sound science and integrated mosquito management practices, the Collier Mosquito Control District reduces the mosquito population of both nuisance and disease-carrying mosquitoes to accomplish its mission of protecting public health and safety.
Follow the links below for additional information about mosquito-borne disease from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
You Can Help Reduce Mosquito Populations
HELP REDUCE MOSQUITO POPULATIONS IN ONE SIMPLE STEP
Reduce Their Habitat
Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near water, so tip, drain and cover any sources of standing water on your property. One of the most dangerous species, the Aedes aegypti, only needs a cap full of water to breed. This mosquito lives close to humans, breeding in containers of water around the home or business. If you can’t eliminate the water, use a larval control material in the water such as Natular DT, Mosquito Dunks or Mosquito Bits to prevent mosquitoes. In larger areas, add a few mosquitofish to eat the mosquito larvae.
UNDERSTANDING WHERE TO LOOK
Where are Mosquitoes Growing in Your Yard?
Don’t grow your own mosquitoes! Check items holding water where mosquitoes will breed and empty them weekly.
KNOW THE 5 D’s
Fight the Bite
More than 50 mosquito species are in the Collier County area, and they have different habitats, flight ranges and are active at different times of the year.
If you are still experiencing a problem with mosquitoes, please report the problem so that we can send a Field Technician to inspect the area.
Drain standing water from containers around your home
Wear long sleeves and long pants outdoors when it’s reasonable
Use an EPA-approved mosquito repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535
Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active
DON’T LET MOSQUITOES WIN
Other Resources
Florida Department of Health Mosquito-Borne and Other Insect-Borne Diseases
Florida Department of Health – Zika Free Florida
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Mosquito Borne Disease
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Prevent Mosquito Bites
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Information on Aerial Spraying
