Hillsborough County says cooler, drier weather can help reduce mosquito populations. The county also says prevention remains critical.
The county continues to respond to an outbreak of dengue fever. Mosquitoes spread this illness. The county has increased aerial and ground mosquito treatments with local, state and federal partners. It also uses surveillance and inspections.
Cooler weather can slow mosquito development and activity. But Florida's mild winters let some mosquitoes stay active. The county says winter is unlikely to eliminate them completely.
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The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the main carrier of dengue. It lives close to people. It breeds in small containers that collect water around homes, yards and businesses.
Less rain means fewer new pools of standing water. But sprinklers, irrigation systems, leaking outdoor faucets, clogged gutters and containers can still hold water. The county says a stretch of dry weather does not mean a property is free of mosquitoes.
Hillsborough County Mosquito Management asks residents to follow the 3 Ds:
- Dress: Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and closed-toed shoes.
- Defend: Use an insect repellent with a CDC-recommended ingredient, such as DEET or Picaridin.
- Dump: Dump or cover standing water around your home.
Residents can visit the county's mosquito operations hub. There, they can sign up for alerts about local aerial treatments. They can also report mosquito issues and get dengue updates.
