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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
WAKULLA COUNTY MOSQUITO CONTROL SERVICES
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Mosquito bites are annoying at best, and they can transmit diseases. The Mosquito Control Program provides residents with an effective means to control mosquitoes on their properties. The request line and website for Mosquito Control Services are active for the season. Services offered include larviciding, which goes into the water and eliminates the larva, and adulticiding, which controls adult mosquitos.
Mosquito Control Services are provided according to the following guidelines:
· Spraying occurs when and where requested. You can designate your property a NO Spray area.
· Spraying happens between sunset and midnight, and also from 3:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Please expect the spray truck during these hours. This is the most effective time to spray because mosquitoes are the most active, and beneficial insects like bees and dragonflies are the least active. It is also the time least likely to affect outdoor human activities.
· Mosquito Control only sprays when the wind is calm and below 10 miles per hour.
· Spraying does not happen in the rain or fog.
· Spraying is done by zone as shown in the map here.
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Residents and property owners can also request Mosquito Control Services by phone at 850-926-0410. In addition to requesting spraying, Wakulla County encourages the public to read the suggestions below on how to best protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites this summer. Remember, please be diligent about following the FIVE (5) Ds: · DRAIN - Small amounts of standing water can breed hundreds of mosquitoes. Any container which holds water should be dumped several times per week. Mosquito larvae can hatch in as little as five (5) days in just a few inches of water, this simple action will greatly reduce the mosquito population around your home.
· DRESS - Some disease-carrying mosquitoes bite during the day so, even though it’s hot, cover your skin when you will be outside, especially at:
· DAWN and DUSK - Most mosquitoes swarm at these times so be sure to cover up!
· DEET - Sprays with up to 30% of this compound (diethyltoluamide) are found to be the most effective for the longest period. Children under two (2) months should not use DEET; mosquito nets can be draped over strollers if you will have your infant outside. Permethrin products can be applied to clothing but not skin, again do not use on infants. Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus provide long-lasting protection at about the same rate as a DEET concentration of about 20% if you are concerned about chemical compounds. This should not be applied to children under three (3) years.
Other measures that can be taken include: not allowing brush piles to build up; keeping your yard mowed; removing junk from around the yard; stocking ponds with mosquito-eating fish; and filling holes in trees with sand. Those with open water bodies such as ponds, lakes, sinkholes, and ditches can request larvicide treatments to help control mosquitoes before they hatch.
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