Mosquito control crews across the region are escalating their response after dengue cases were reported throughout Florida. Hillsborough County now has 66 reported cases, with Lee and Pinellas counties at six each, according to the latest CDC data. Sarasota and Manatee counties aren’t listed yet, since the CDC doesn’t display counties with fewer than three cases. Hillsborough began daytime helicopter larvicide treatments over central Tampa on September 16 and 17, using a liquid called Bti and covering the area from Busch Boulevard south to San Miguel Street, and from Manhattan Avenue east to North 50th Street.
Polk County Mosquito Control is taking a different approach, ramping up public education, inspecting at-risk homes, and spraying more frequently. Manager Jackson Mosley says the mosquito species that spreads dengue thrives around homes, not in the woods. Bromeliads, uncovered containers large and small, lawn furniture, kiddie pools, and plant saucers are all prime breeding grounds. Pasco County’s mosquito district is also monitoring the situation closely.
The good news is that prevention is simple and free. Hillsborough officials recommend the “3 Ds”: dress in long sleeves, defend with a CDC-approved repellent, and dump standing water from tires, buckets, planters, toys, birdbaths, and trash cans. After the next afternoon storm rolls through, take a quick lap around your property. What’s the most surprising spot you’ve found standing water? Tell us on our Facebook page.
