Pinellas County Mosquito Control technicians continue to aggressively treat known breeding areas by ground and by air, as well as responding to requests from residents.
Residents are urged to be diligent in ridding their properties of standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one quarter inch of standing water, so the following precautions are advised:
• Empty water from old tires, flower pots, garbage can lids, recycling containers, boat tarps and buckets
• Eliminate standing water near plumbing drains, air conditioner drips, septic tanks or rain gutters
• Flush birdbaths and wading pools weekly
• Flush bromeliads twice weekly or treat with a biological larvicide
• Change the water in outdoor pet dishes daily
• Keep pools adequately chlorinated
• Stock ornamental ponds with mosquito-eating gambusia fish
• Cover rain barrels with fine mesh screening
• Repair rips or tears in door and window screens
In addition, the Florida Department of Health advises residents to follow “Drain and Cover” preventative measures by draining standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying as well as covering skin with clothing and using mosquito repellent.
Complete a mosquito control request form and additional information about stopping mosquitoes online. Residents can also call Pinellas County Mosquito Control at (727) 464-7503.