Mosquito Population Worse After Hurricane Irma? How to Prevent Zika Virus in Summerfield, FL

As water has receded from the devastating hurricane that hit Florida a couple months ago, there may be new threats that Florida residents might have to battle. Many pests will now thrive in the wet conditions left behind from hurricane Irma; one of them being mosquitoes. Pest 911 is here to talk about what Irma means for the mosquito population in Florida.

Mosquitoes After Hurricane Irma

While the deep waters Irma left behind have long receded now, that’s not where mosquitoes thrive. They lay their eggs in the shallow pools of water that stay behind. It doesn’t take much water at all for mosquitoes to find a place to lay eggs and boost their population. This could mean more trouble for Florida residents.

Zika Virus & Other Disease Threat Increases with Mosquito Population

These prime mosquito breeding grounds need to be treated to avoid mosquito population, and the biggest reason is threat of disease. While Zika is the main concern, dengue fever and yellow fever are also diseases that mosquitoes spread through their bite. So far this year 33 cases of Zika have been reported in the Florida area and experts expect that number to rise if precautions aren’t taken to prevent the spread of mosquitoes.

When Does Mosquito Season End in Florida?

Most areas don’t have to worry about mosquitoes during the winter months. However, when Florida doesn’t experience extreme drop in temperature, it becomes a threat no matter what month in the year we are in. While December is the slowest month for mosquito populations in Florida, they aren’t completely gone and you should still protect yourself from mosquito bites.

How to Prevent Mosquito Bites

There are several things you can do to ensure you don’t get bitten by mosquitoes. Here are some tips that will keep you and your loved ones safe from mosquito bites.
• Use repellent that has DEET. These repellents are the most effective in preventing mosquito bites.
• Dress in long sleeves and long pants when outdoors. If you don’t have any bare skin exposed, you won’t likely receive any bites.
• Wear light colored clothing as studies have shown mosquitoes aren’t as attracted to light colors like dark.
• Avoid dawn and dusk hours during the day. This is when mosquitoes are the most active and carry the most threat.
• Avoid wearing sweet smelling lotions and perfumes to avoid mosquito bites.
• Plant mosquito repelling plants into your landscaping that will help repel mosquitoes while spending time outside.
• Get rid of any standing water on your property as this is where mosquitoes will go to lay their eggs and infestation takes place.

Mosquito Pest Control

Because mosquitoes carry a threat of disease with their obnoxious bites, you should take all precautions necessary in treating your property for them. The experts at Pest 911 have the resources as training as well as the equipment necessary to get repel mosquitoes in your yard so you can enjoy the delightful weather that Florida has to offer year-round. Call us today!