So much excitement comes along with spring and summer: cookouts, swimming, fireworks and more. No matter what, though, there always seems to be an uninvited guest; mosquitos! Not only do these pests leave uncomfortable welts, they have the potential to carry harmful diseases. However rare, the threat of mosquito borne infections like Eastern Equine Encephalitis, West Nile Virus and Zika Virus should not be taken lightly. Florida is especially susceptible to mosquito-related threats because of its warm, humid climate and fair amount of wetlands. For these reasons, the Madison County Mosquito Control Department provides an important service to the area by spraying to reduce the local mosquito population as well as informing the public on mosquito safety tips.
According to Madison County Mosquito Control Department Director, James Willoughby, “April and May were really busy months for mosquito control this year.” This was, in part, due to the recent high rain levels and subsequent rise in flood water mosquitoes in the Cherry Lake, Pinetta and Withlacoochee River areas. “In April, Mosquito Control sprayed 252.2 miles (9,169.9 acres) in and around these areas,” said Willoughby. Additionally, Mosquito Control sprayed 468.6 miles (17,038.2 acres) across the county as a whole in the month of May. On behalf of the Madison County Mosquito Control Department, Willoughby would like to thank the County Commissioners “for temporarily expanding the designated spray zones [and] the community and citizens for their patience and understanding during this crisis.”
Even with mosquito spraying going on, Willoughby would still like to remind residents to practice mosquito-safe habits. Drain all standing water around you residence, and cover baby strollers with mosquito netting. Remember that mosquitos are most active at dawn and dust, so avoid going out at those times of day. If you do go out at dawn or dusk, be sure to wear reasonably covering clothes to protect your skin from bites. Use bug repellant with DEET (e.g Off!, Cutter, Sawyer and Ultrathon), but be sure not to let the repellant get into contact with children's hands, eyes or mouths or on babies under the age of two months old.