County helicopters treated Bloomingdale for mosquito larvae Oct. 12 to Oct. 16
Low-flying helicopters sprayed a natural larvicide over Bloomingdale neighborhoods to fight the spread of dengue fever.
From our October archiveOriginally dated
Published
From Oct. 12 to Oct. 16, Hillsborough County helicopters treated Bloomingdale neighborhoods for mosquito larvae during daytime hours. The county wanted to stop the spread of dengue fever.
The Bloomingdale treatment area ran from Bloomingdale Avenue south to the Alafia River and Boyette Road. It ran from U.S. 41 east to Lithia Pinecrest Road. Crews also treated Palm River, East Tampa, and East Lake.
The helicopters flew low, generally just above trees and buildings. They applied liquid Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to standing water. Bti is a naturally occurring bacterium. The county says it does not harm people, pets, fish, birds, or beneficial insects. It breaks down naturally in the environment.
Mosquito traps in many neighborhoods showed dengue fever virus activity, the county said. Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services increased treatments by air and ground. The team worked with the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County.
The county asks residents to follow the 3 Ds:
Dress in light-colored, long-sleeved clothing with closed-toed shoes.
Defend with an insect repellent that has DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Dump or cover standing water.
Residents can find current spray missions at HCFL.gov/MosquitoOperations. Residents can also sign up for alerts about aerial treatments in their neighborhood.