There are many reasons for this including the recent drought conditions that have concentrated the mosquitos in desolate, protected areas that cannot be treated. Combine that with a small amount of much needed rain that fell on Sunday night in Key Largo and…….voila - the mosquitos began migrating (they can travel up to 30 miles) from these protected areas. Consequently, Monday was complete mayhem as the mosquitos made spending time outside absolutely miserable. “There has never been a year on record that has brewed such conditions” says a biologist who works for the Florida Keys Mosquito control district.
There are 45 different species of mosquitos in the Florida Keys. Mosquitos kill more men and women in the United States than any other creature with over one million deaths a year. They transmit diseases such as Encephalitis, West Nile Virus and Dengue making the job of the control district extremely important. Although scary, it is not something to worry about; it is something to be cognizant of. Prevention is the best medicine! Therefore, the district recommends the following:
- Drill holes in the bottom, not the sides, of any garbage or recycling containers stored outdoors to reduce water accumulation in the bottom for mosquitoes to breed.
- Keep gutters clean and unclogged. Be sure your downspouts drain properly, without leaving puddles in the drainage area. You may need to reroute your downspouts or add extensions to carry water away.
- Keep swimming pools cleaned and chlorinated, even when not in use. Homeowners who go on vacation without chlorinating their pools may return to a veritable mosquito hatchery.
- Walk your property after a rain, and look for areas in the landscape that are not draining well. If you find puddles that remain for four or more days, regrade the area.
- Ornamental ponds should be aerated to keep water moving and discourage mosquitoes from laying eggs. Alternately, stock the pond with mosquito-eating fish.
- Dump anything that holds water twice per week if it has rained. Birdbaths, non-chlorinated wading pools, footbaths, garbage can lids, and pottery will all attract breeding mosquitoes. Remember to empty the saucers under your flower pots, and don't leave water in pet bowls for more than two days.
- Keep your property clean of items that can hold water, including discarded aluminum cans and tires.
- Make your yard less hospitable to mosquitoes by mowing your lawn regularly, and keep weeds away from your home's foundation.
Lastly, just so you know, the Mosquito Control Board has the right to go onto your property if they suspect it has mosquitoes that are carrying diseases.
Reef Tropical can help you keep the mosquitos away from your property, please let us know if you would like one of our experts to come out to your property and do mosquito prevention.
