SUMTER COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Recent rainfall and typical Florida summer weather have contributed to increased mosquito activity throughout Sumter County. Even small amounts of rain can leave standing water in containers, gutters, tires, and other areas around homes and businesses, creating ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed.
Sumter County Mosquito Control continues to monitor mosquito populations throughout the county. The County monitors nuisance and vector mosquito species through ongoing surveillance. Treatment areas are determined using data that may include adult mosquito light trap counts, landing rates, and citizen complaints. When mosquito populations exceed established action thresholds, targeted treatments are conducted.
Residents can also play an important role in reducing mosquito populations by eliminating standing water around their homes. Water should be drained from garbage cans, gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, birdbaths, pet bowls, and other containers where rain or sprinkler water can collect. Boats and vehicles should be protected with covers that do not hold water, and swimming pools should be properly maintained and chlorinated.
Residents should pay particular attention to old tires. Tires can easily collect and retain rainwater, creating an ideal environment for mosquitoes to breed. Unused tires and other items that collect water should be properly discarded or stored where they remain covered and dry.
Residents can further protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves when appropriate and using an EPA-registered mosquito repellent according to label directions. Screens on windows, doors, porches and patios should also be checked and repaired to help keep mosquitoes outside.
Taking a few minutes after rainfall to walk around your property and dump standing water can help reduce mosquito breeding areas. Residents are encouraged to regularly check their property for standing water during Florida’s rainy summer months.
Residents experiencing increased mosquito activity can report a mosquito concern or request mosquito control service through the Sumter County website or by calling Sumter County Mosquito Control at 352-689-4400. Citizen reports, along with surveillance data, help Mosquito Control identify areas experiencing increased mosquito activity and determine where treatment may be needed.
Residents can also sign up for AlertSumter to receive notifications about mosquito spraying in their area. Alerts provide information about when and where mosquito spraying will occur so residents know when treatment trucks may be operating in their neighborhood.
To report mosquito activity, request service, sign up for mosquito spray alerts, or learn more about Sumter County Mosquito Control, visit sumtercountyfl.gov.