Hillsborough County Mosquito Management asks residents to check their yards for standing water after heavy rain. The county says more rain will fall this week. Standing water gives mosquitoes places to breed and spread dengue virus.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito spreads dengue fever in Hillsborough County. It lays eggs in small containers around homes and businesses. A bottle cap or a flowerpot saucer can hold enough water for it to breed.
The county asks residents to empty, cover, turn over or remove items that collect rainwater. Check these items:
- Halloween decorations, such as plastic pumpkins and inflatable displays
- Gutters and downspouts
- Garbage cans, recycling bins, old tires and bottles
- Buckets, wheelbarrows, tarps, grills, toys and outdoor furniture
- Flowerpot saucers and birdbaths
- Pool covers and pet bowls
If you cannot remove an item, cover it or position it so water drains.
This mosquito can bite during the day. The county asks residents to follow the 3 Ds:
- Dress: Wear loose, light-colored clothing, long sleeves, long pants, socks and closed-toed shoes.
- Defend: Use an EPA-registered insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin.
- Dump: Drain or cover standing water.
County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed an executive order. It extends the State of Local Emergency through Nov. 5. The county says crews have increased aerial and ground treatments with local, state and federal partners.
Residents can sign up for alerts about local aerial treatments on the county's Mosquito Operations webpage.
