Osceola County Monitoring Mosquito Population

Published on: Feb 6, 2016

PR16-07

Osceola County, Florida – With confirmation of a travel-related case of Zika virus in Osceola County on Friday, Osceola County Mosquito Control is maintaining a heightened state of surveillance.

At this time, those residents and visitors who have not traveled internationally to countries where these viruses are active have a very low risk of contracting these diseases from local mosquitoes.

Typically this time of year mosquito populations are reduced due to variations in temperature and lack of quality breeding habitat. While Osceola County has been setting traps and monitoring population levels, present trap counts are low, much lower than anticipated based on the weather.

Out of an abundance of caution, Osceola is setting some species-specific traps that are more attractive to the mosquitoes that could carry Zika, as well as other mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue and Chikungunya. Ground-based spraying is being conducted as deemed necessary based on conditions. 

Concerned residents can focus on preventative “Drain and Cover” actions, such as:

• Don’t go outdoors at DUSK or DAWN when mosquitoes are most active
• DRESS to cover bare skin, long sleeves and pants
• Mosquito repellants containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, or N,N-diethyl-3-ethylbenzamide) to skin and clothing. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other repellent options. Always read the manufacturer’s directions carefully before using a repellant, and make sure the repellant is age appropriate
• Empty any containers around your home that are able to hold water

Questions about local mosquito control can be directed to Mosquito Control Director Terry Torrens at 407-742-7809 or Terry.Torrens@osceola.org.