Mosquito Control Spray Efforts

Mosquito Control Continues Increased Spray Efforts

-Residents Urged to Take Precautions-

Since mid-August, Santa Rosa Mosquito Control has increased spray efforts county-wide.  The increase is in response to several factors, including the number of citizen call-ins, field reports, and mosquito trap counts collected throughout the county.  With the first case of West Nile Virus reported in Santa Rosa County, it is important that residents share the responsibility in order for abatement to be successful. By just spending a few moments once a week policing outside areas can dramatically reduce mosquito numbers, and the risks associated with the pest. To help reduce the risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes, residents should follow the Four D’s:

• DUSK to DAWN – is the timeframe when mosquitoes are most active. Reduce or eliminate outdoor activity between dusk and dawn or take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
• DRAIN – standing water.  Water found in old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, leaky pipes and faucets, birdbaths and wading pools can be breeding sites for mosquitoes.
• DRESS – in light colored, long sleeves and pants when you are outside, especially in mosquito infested areas.
• DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) – if you are going to be outside when mosquitoes are most active, make sure you apply insect repellant that contains DEET. Read and follow label instructions. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellent when outdoors.

Mosquito spray routes are scheduled on Monday afternoon for each week. Typically, 10 to 12 routes are sprayed between sundown and 1 a.m. The increased spray scheduled includes the addition of spray operations on Saturday and the use of one additional truck, for a total of three trucks spraying six days a week. Spraying is weather dependant. If temperatures drop below 60 degrees or there is rain, mosquito spraying operations are stopped. Residents can check the spray schedule for their community online atwww.santarosa.fl.gov/mosquito/index.cfm. For more information concerning mosquito control, please contact Santa Rosa County Mosquito Control at (850) 981-7135.