Okaloosa County’s Mosquito Control technicians will begin night spraying operations Countywide in mid to late April and early May. Broadcast treatment is conducted in the evening and is required by State Law to be justified. Justification is based on mosquito population surveillance data and other methods. Treatments will begin one hour before sunset.
In our areas…
Mondays: Wynnehaven Beach, Florosa and Valparaiso; Destin: County Line to Airport Rd
Tuesdays: Airport Rd to Destin Bridge, Mary Esther/Fort Walton Beach and Bluewater Bay
Wednesdays: Streets off of Lewis Turner Blvd. to Carmel Dr., Rocky Bayou, Fort Walton Beach from Brooks Bridge to Memorial Pkwy.
Thursdays: Shalimar, Ocean City, Mooney Rd area and Niceville
Okaloosa County Mosquito Control and the Florida Department of Health urge the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts. These should include remembering to “SWAT.”
• Stay inside with screened doors and windows when mosquitoes are biting (dusk and dawn).
• When outside, wear clothing that covers skin.
• Apply mosquito repellant that includes DEET [N, N diethyl-m-toluamide] on your skin when you are outside.
• Turn over standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs or rid your outdoor area of standing water in which mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
Remember to apply all mosquito repellants in accordance with the recommended frequency and methods suggested by the manufacturer.
Okaloosa County Mosquito Control recommends the following mosquito-borne illness preventative measures:
• Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying: Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, children’s toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
• Discard tires*, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pets water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
• Waste tires can be disposed of FREE at the South Okaloosa County Transfer Station and the Baker Landfill. This applies only to local households, not businesses. Tire sizes are limited to passenger car and light truck tires. Quantities limited – 5 tires per household per month.
• Cover skin with clothing or repellent.
Clothing: Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
Repellent: Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.
Netting: Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than two months old.
• Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.
The County Mosquito Control Program sprays for mosquitoes county-wide excluding federal and state-owned land. Mosquito spray trucks generally operate starting 1 hours before sunset and/or in the 1 hours after sunrise. Surveillance activities may indicate certain types of mosquitoes known to be disease vectors that are active during time periods other than noted. If this is the case, the County will respond appropriately.
In addition to spraying, the County has an aggressive larviciding program that includes more than 1,500 sites treated and are checked on a regular basis. Additionally, more than 750 ponds and areas with standing water are treated with gambusia fish which eat mosquito larva and are able to reproduce at a high rate.
Residents are also reminded to have outdoor animals vaccinated against mosquito borne disease. Horses should be vaccinated against Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Although West Nile and EEE can occur throughout the year, peak season is August, September and October. Horses must receive two vaccine injections three to six weeks apart and then it is recommended every three to six months. Dog owners are also reminded to have pets treated for heartworms since certain mosquitoes present in Okaloosa County carry the disease as well.
The Mosquito Control Division of Public Works is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and may be reached at 651-7394 or 689-5772. Mosquito spray schedule, preventative tips and other related information is available on the County’s web site at http://www.myokaloosa.com/pw/environmental/mosquito-control.
Additional information about Okaloosa County’s Mosquito Control Division can be found at https://myokaloosa.com/pw/environmental/mosquito-control.
