Mosquito Control

Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) List

1. How can I get information on spray schedules, request my area to be sprayed, or find out what chemicals are being used?

For information on spray schedules, to request spray, chemical use, etc. call 850-626-0191, 850-994-5721, 850-939- 1259 ext. 1400

2. Can I use e-mail to contact you?

You may e-mail your requests and concerns to mosquito-control@co.santa-rosa.fl.us

3. What are the best ways for avoiding and repelling mosquitoes?

• Stay inside during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most prevalent.
• Wear protective clothing (long sleeve shirts, long pants, shoes and socks).
• Use insect repellent, especially when going into high-risk areas or when outside during high-risk times.
• Apply repellent sparingly, only to exposed skin or clothing; keep away from eyes, nostrils and lips.
• Avoid applying high-concentration (>30% DEET) products to the skin, particularly of children; do not apply on wounds or irritated skin.
• Use repellent sparingly; one application will last approximately 4-6 hours. Saturation will not increase efficacy.
• Avoid applying repellents to portions of children’s hands that are likely to have contact with eyes or mouth.
• Do not wear perfumed soaps, sprays or other sweet smelling formulas that might attract mosquitoes.
• Keep window screens and screened rooms in good repair.
• Screen doors should open outward and have automatic closing devices and latches to prevent them from being accidentally left ajar.

4. How can I eliminate mosquitoes from breeding on my property?

• Destroy or dispose of tin cans, old tires, buckets, unused plastic swimming pools or other containers that collect and hold water. Do not allow water to accumulate in the saucers of flowerpots, cemetery urns or in pet dishes for more than 2 days.
• Clean debris from rain gutters and remove any standing water under or around structures, or on flat roofs. Check around faucets and air conditioner units and repair leaks or eliminate puddles that remain for several days.
• Remove old tires or drill holes in those used for playground equipment
• Turn over or remove plastic pots
• Pick up broken, unused or discarded toys
• Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water in pockets or indentations. Pump out bilges on boats
• Replace water in birdbaths at least once a week
• Replace water in pet or other animal feeding dishes or troughs at least once a week
• Pick up plastic wrappers used for food or other products (mosquitoes can breed even in a discarded potato chip bag that has collected water)
• Don’t leave garbage can lids lying around upside down
• Check plants, such as bromeliads, with large leaves that may collect water in axils, where the leaves join the stem. Eliminate the plant, keep it inside, flush it out with a spray of water, or tip the plant over to empty stagnant water at least once a week.
• Stock ornamental water gardens with mosquito-eating fish (e.g., minnows, “mosquito fish,” goldfish or guppies)
• Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water If ditches do not flow and contain stagnant water for one week or longer, they can produce large numbers of mosquitoes. Report such conditions to a Mosquito Control or Public Health Office.
• Fix dripping outdoor faucets that create pools of water

5. What diseases can mosquitoes cause in this area?

• West Nile Virus (WNV)
• St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE)
• Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

6. How do we know that arboviruses (mosquito-borne diseases) are in the area and that people might become infected?

SLE, EEE, and WNV pass back and forth between birds and mosquitoes. Mosquito control agencies located throughout the state monitor mosquito populations. When the virus is detected, mosquito control activities are increased. Press releases and public education activities are issued to increase awareness of personal protective measures.

7. I found a dead bird. Who do I call to report this to?

Dead birds are in indicator that WNV may be in an area. Report dead birds on the Internet site www.wld.fwc.state.fl.us, or call the Santa Rosa County Health Department at 850-983-5275. South-end Santa Rosa County residents may call 850-932-5177.

8. What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus?

Most people who are infected with West Nile virus either have no symptoms or experience mild illness such as a fever, headache and body aches before fully recovering. Some persons may also develop a mild rash or swollen lymph glands. If symptoms persist, contact your physician immediately. In some individuals, particularly the elderly, West Nile virus can cause serious disease that affects brain tissue. At its most serious, it can cause permanent neurological damage and can be fatal. Symptoms of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) include the rapid onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, confusion, loss of consciousness (coma), or muscle weakness, and may be fatal.