Tired of swatting mosquitoes? We all are, and June 21 starts the National Mosquito Control Awareness Week. Do you know how to prevent mosquitoes around your home?
“This is Florida, and we have them. But, we can try our best to control them,” said Brian Shepheard, the south county foreman for the Okaloosa County Mosquito Control Department.
Mosquitoes, while typically just the cause of an annoying itchy bite, carry viruses that could be spread to you if you are bitten.
Viruses caused by insect bites, or arboviruses, often found in
According to the Florida Department of Health, the best way to avoid becoming ill is to avoid getting mosquito bites.
Owner of the local mosquito exterminator business Mosquito Joe, Sara Bess explained that there are many ways a resident or visitor of Destin can prevent mosquitoes in his or her yard.
“Mosquitoes love standing water. Anything that can hold water for more than four days is going to be a problem,” said Bess.
She suggested dumping out any standing water and drilling holes in any objects, like a tire swing, that could collect water. Her suggestion goes along with the Florida Health Department’s promotion of Drain and Cover, asking people to drain the water from anything that collects water in their yards and cover themselves in clothes or repellant before going outside.
Okaloosa County Mosquito Control began spraying streets in April, but Bess said that the trucks can only do so much.
“Really, they are not coating anything in your yard,” said Bess.
She stresses the importance personal responsibility for your yard because if everyone were to take care of his or her own property she said the mosquito population would decline.
The problem is, she said, that no one does anything about abandoned lots or yards. However, Shepheard said the county will pay special attention to locations like that if someone calls the Okaloosa County Mosquito Control Department.
“We need help from the public when those sort of situations pop up because we don’t know where every single thing is,” said Shepheard.
And to spread awareness, Mosquito Joe has teamed up with the American Red Cross where at the next blood donation event, volunteers will hand out flyers promoting the prevention of mosquitoes and their business. Bess said she hopes this event will not only spread awareness to donate blood but to also inform the public about how to keep mosquitoes away.
HELPFUL TIPS:
The Florida Department of Health recommends you DRAIN and COVER
DRAIN standing water. COVER your skin with clothing or repellant, and COVER doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of your house.
Okaloosa County Mosquito Control and the Florida Health Department urge residents to SWAT.
S: Stay inside with screened windows and doors during dusk and dawn.
W: When outside, wear clothing that covers skin.
A: Apply repellant that includes DEET.
T: Turn over standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs.