Mosquitoes are annoying, especially that zzzzzzz next to my ear at night when one gets in the house. The rainy season promotes mosquito breeding. Mosquito breeding may lead to viruses that are transmitted from mosquitoes to humans and back to mosquitoes. Viruses are transmitted by an infected female mosquito biting and feeding on a human host. Only female mosquitoes require a blood meal. During that feeding the virus is transmitted to the human host. Once the virus is present in the human host, the virus can be transferred to an uninfected female mosquito through another bite. The newly infected mosquito can then further spread the virus to unsuspecting human hosts.
People infected with a mosquito borne virus should avoid exposure to further mosquito bites during the first week of infection. Staying indoors or using repellents after infection will reduce the threat of further local transmission.
There are two species of mosquitoes in Florida that can transmit viruses including Zika, Chickungunya, Dengue Fever and Yellow Fever:Aedes aegypti, known as the Yellow Fever Mosquito and Aedes albopictus, known as the Asian Tiger Mosquito. Both of these mosquitoes reproduce in standing water or water holding containers.
Aedes aegypti Photo: UF/IFAS Aedes albopictus Photo: UF/IFAS
How to prevent transmission of mosquito borne viruses or avoid getting bit
The best way to prevent mosquito breeding is to control the mosquito vector. Since the mosquito vectors lay their eggs in water holding containers, stagnant or non moving water to complete larval development, emptying and removing all standing water is imperative.
- Empty and remove or turn over all water holding sources including: flower pots with saucer bases, tires, bottles, bottle caps, cans and lawn equipment such as wheel barrows. Hillsborough County Community Collection Centers in Lithia, Seffner, Tampa and Gibsonton accept up to 12 tires per tax paying household; additional tires must be taken to a landfill location and disposal fee paid; Ph. (813) 744-5533.
- Flush and replace water several times a week in bird baths and daily in pet dishes.
- Cover water harvesting containers, such as rain barrels, with netting to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
- Keep gutters clean.
- Utilize mosquito dunks in rain barrels or bits in vase plants such as Bromeliads. These products contain Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis which is safe in fish habitats and standing water near households, but not in water for human consumption. Always read the label and use according to labeled instructions.
- Inspect yards once per week.
- Educate your neighbors and clients on the importance of removing water holding containers.
Mosquito control and licensing
Hillsborough County, City of Tampa and most other counties have mosquito control programs. Hillsborough County Mosquito Control (HCMC) employees have specialized training and licenses in Public Health Pest Control. HCMC provides:
- Education on mosquito prevention.
- An avenue to report issues for properties and neighborhoods.
- A signup to receive alerts when spraying will be done in your area.
HCMC has traps throughout the county to monitor mosquito populations and conducts more than 30,000 larval production site inspections per year. Problem areas might be eligible for applications of larvicide by hand or backpack spreader or from vehicles, helicopters or planes.
Since the HCMC program is extensive it’s rarely necessary to perform additional spraying outside of their realm. Additionally, the focus should be on eliminating mosquito breeding sites. If any type of mosquito control is offered as a for hire service, you must have specific pesticide licenses and each license type is restricted to certain activities. For more information on these pesticide licenses contact me at szcrmchz@ufl.edu or (813)-744-5519 Ext. 54103. Also, see Other mosquito control products below.
Mosquito repellents
- Use mosquito repellents that have been shown to be effective on exposed skin, products containing DEET or Citronella. Check the label to make sure the repellent has been EPA approved and always use the product according to labeled instructions. Do not allow young children to apply.
- Do not rely on products that have not been found to be effective, such as: devices that emit sound, bracelets, bug zappers, bug patches or consumption of garlic, bananas or Vitamin B.
The following active ingredients typically provide reasonably long-lasting protection:
- DEET
- Picaridin
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus* or PMD; the synthesized version of oil of lemon eucalyptus. “Pure” oil of lemon eucalyptus (e.g. essential oil) has not received similar validated testing for safety and efficacy, and is not registered with EPA as an insect repellent.
- IR3535 Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus
- In general, higher concentrations of an active ingredient provide longer duration of protection, regardless of the active ingredient. Note that concentrations above 50% do not offer a marked increase in protection time and that products labeled for children provide protection for shorter periods of time.
- Off Deep Woods 23.8% DEET 5 hours
- Off Skintastic 6.65% DEET 2 hours
- Off Skintastic for Kids 4.74% DEET 1.5 hours
- Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus 7.5 % IR3535 Less than 25 min
Precautions when applying repellants
- Do not allow young children to apply to themselves. Check the label for safety of applying to children. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years of age.
- Do not use under clothing.
- Cover cuts, wounds and irritated skin prior to applying.
- Do not apply to eyes or mouth.
- Do not spray on face; apply to hands and then apply to face.
- Wash treated skin after going indoors.
- If rash or other reaction occurs, wash off immediately and seek medical attention.
- Do not spray skin products onto the soil or water.
- Do not rely on products that have not been found to be effective, such as: devices that emit sound, bracelets, bug zappers, bug patches or consumption of garlic, bananas or Vitamin B.
- There are some products containing permethrin that are recommended for use on clothing, shoes, bed-nets and camping gear. These products can repel and kill mosquitoes, ticks and can retain their effect after repeated laundering.
- Thermacell® is a mosquito repellent product that has been shown to repel mosquitoes. It should be used outdoors at the time activities take place. It uses a proprietary formula that has been EPA reviewed.
Patio Shield Repeller Patio Shield Torch
- Aerosols, foggers, coils and misters contain the insecticides pyrethrins (plant derived which alter nerve functions in insects) or pyrethroids (synthetic, but still paralyze the insect and it dies).
- Must make contact with mosquitoes to knock down populations.
- Formulated for general garden use or for use on pets and livestock for flea, fly and mosquito control.
- Toxic to bees and aquatic life.
- Residual insecticide may be on outdoor furniture, pet toys and bowls. Can cause an allergic reaction in some humans and cats. Effects of long term repeated exposure are unknown.
- Degrade rapidly in sunlight.
- Provide temporary relief and may be useful for a party or special event.
- Treatments only last a day or two because mosquitoes migrate, so should be used the day before or morning of an event.
- Overall, these products will not work as a long term control strategy.
- Insecticide sprays labeled for treating vegetation should be directed to tall grass, flower beds, undersides of decks and areas where mosquitoes may rest. Hopefully, the mosquitoes will pick up the insecticide on their body.
Overall, eliminating breeding sites and larval stages should be your primary focus. Adults can be controlled but options provide only a short term temporary solution. Buyer beware if purchasing a fogging service or installing a misting system. If your neighbor has the breeding sites, spraying or misting your yard will provide only temporary relief and you have the risk of exposure to insecticides.
Sign up for the ProHort Happenings newsletter.
Go to the ProHort website.
1
