~June 16 – 22 is National Mosquito Control
Awareness Week; Fight the Bite~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., June 18,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Floridians and tourists flock
outdoors in the Sunshine State during the summer months and may not
realize that the world's deadliest animal is an ever-present
uninvited guest.
Mosquitoes, stealthy and virtually invisible, are enjoying the
weather and thriving in every outdoor setting. And they bring a
serious health risk with them, potentially carrying diseases like
Dengue fever, Zika, malaria, West Nile virus and Equine
Encephalitis.
This week the Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) and
its members - 67 mosquito control programs including 15 independent
districts - are reminding the public to take precautions to protect
themselves from mosquito bites and the diseases they transmit.
"The world's top mosquito control scientists and experts are in
Florida, working 24/7 to control
and mitigate the threat of disease," said Richard Weaver, President of the Florida
Mosquito Control Association and Business Manager at the Anastasia
Mosquito Control District in St. Johns County "Floridians know and
understand the need to be vigilant about hurricanes and tropical
storms, however we must also be vigilant about mosquitoes."
That vigilance is heightened in Florida where the warm and wondrous tropical
weather draws millions of visitors and thousands of new residents
each year.
Mosquitoes are drawn to our state for the same reasons. And this
year is threatening to open the door for even more of these
dangerous animals. Just this month, heavy rain and life-threatening
floods drenched South Florida,
leaving standing water throughout the region and providing the
perfect habitat for mosquitoes to breed. And mosquitoes also enjoy
the aftermath of hurricanes which creates immeasurable
opportunities for mosquito breeding.
So far three counties have already issued mosquito-borne illness
advisories or alerts for local transmission of Dengue virus and
Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus.
And because weather experts are predicting there is an 85
percent chance of an above-average hurricane season with up to 25
named storms – mosquito control experts are already on
high-alert.
"Preparing for mosquitoes is similar to what Floridians do each
hurricane season," said Dr. Jorge
Rey, FMCA Vice President and professor at the University of Florida's Medical Entomology
Laboratory. "Smart, precautionary measures can help reduce
mosquitoes around your home and mitigate public health risks."
The American Mosquito Control Association has a summary of those
small measures, calling them the three D's of protection.
- Drain – Following a rain or storm, each household and property
becomes a resort for mosquitoes looking for a place to lay her
eggs. Mosquitoes only need a teaspoon of water to develop, so
emptying even small accumulations of water outside can make a
difference.
- Dress – Wear long sleeves and long pants that are light-colored
and loose-fitting. These clothing choices are a deterrent to
mosquitoes.
- Defend – Mosquito repellents containing DEET, Picaridin and
IR3535 are powerful shields against mosquitoes. If a more natural
product is preferred, repellents containing Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
are great options.
Floridians are fortunate to have world-class scientists and
professionals working to control mosquitoes and the diseases they
spread. These scientists partner with each other and local health
departments to share important news, resources, and scientific
studies. They also stand ready to respond to any Floridian's
request for local mosquito treatment.
"Success is never final in controlling the countless mosquitoes
in our state," said Weaver. "But Florida remains exceedingly safe
and accessible to residents, businesses and visitors. Our state's
economic and physical health depend on our incredible team of
mosquito control scientists and highly trained professionals."
For more information about the FMCA please click here. And for
teachers and parents, the FMCA has resources to inform children
about the science and background of mosquitoes and efforts to
control them here.
Contact: Alia Faraj-Johnson,
850-212-8317
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SOURCE Florida Mosquito Control Association