Florida Department of Health in Sumter County seeks help to shrink mosquito populations

The Florida Department of Health in Sumter County would like to recruit Sumter County residents into the fight to limit the size of local mosquito populations. If humans reproduced like mosquitos, and you started with just two people on earth, you could end up with almost four times the globe’s current population, or about 26 billion people, in a little under 150 years. That is only as far back as the end of the American Civil War.

Mosquito numbers can grow quickly and it doesn’t take much to make a good mosquito breeding site. An old tire in the backyard, a soda can in the grass or even a debris filled rain gutter are great breeding sites for mosquitos. Controlling mosquito populations takes a team effort. Public health and mosquito control agencies cannot combat these pests alone. Controlling mosquito populations not only helps prevent annoying bites, it can also help limit the spread of diseases like dengue, West Nile and Zika among others. Sumter residents can play a large role in this effort by following the recommendations below.   

DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying

• Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week.
•  Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

COVER skin with clothing or repellent

• CLOTHING – Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
• REPELLENT – Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
  • Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.
  • EPA-approved repellent is safe for pregnant women to use.
  • Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

SCREEN doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house

• Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.

Further questions can be directed to the Florida Department of Health in Sumter County Epidemiology Program at: (352) 569-3102.