Minimize your mosquito risk this summer
FROM STAFF REPORTS Gulf Breeze News news@gulfbreezenews.com

Illustration by Franklin Hayes/Gulf Breeze News Mosquitoes are known to carry St. Louis Encephalitis, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, malaria and West Nile Virus.

Many who have spent time outdoors over the last few weeks have felt the irritating and sometime painful bite of a hungry mosquito. There are two main variables which influence the number of mosquitoes in the county- temperature and moisture. Residential areas typically offer an abundance of breeding sites.

By just spending a few moments once a week policing outside areas can dramatically reduce mosquito numbers, and the risks associated with the pest. In the summer heat, it may only take 10-12 days for an egg to mature to an adult mosquito. By simply draining plant containers, water collected on large plant leaves such as bromeliads, outside toys, animal bowls, or any container that can hold water for several days, residents can stop the growth cycle. Santa Rosa County Mosquito Control also asks residents to clean leaves from their home's gutters. While not a pleasant task, moist leaves and organic matter can create the perfect mosquito breeding area.

Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson is urging residents to prepare for a rise in mosquito breeding.

Mosquito eggs from certain species can be very resilient, lying in wait for the next heavy rain for up to several years. When wet weather arrives, all the eggs hatch at once, creating a huge increase in the number of pesky pests.

Bronson says people need to keep that in mind and be ready for a possible onslaught of mosquitoes and with them the potential for mosquito-borne illnesses.

The Commissioner is urging horse owners to make sure that their animals are vaccinated against two of the diseases -- West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

"So far there this year there have been no reports of human cases of mosquito-borne illnesses in Florida and we've had five EEE cases in horses compared with a high of 207 cases in 2003," Bronson said. "We haven't seen any West Nile cases either and I hope with proper protections we can continue this trend."

Mosquito borne disease, also known as arboviruses, including St. Louis Encephalitis, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, malaria and West Nile Virus are the main focus of mosquito control in Florida. To help reduce the risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes, residents should follow the Four D's:

DUSK to DAWN - is the timeframe when mosquitoes are most active. Reduce or eliminate outdoor activity between dusk and dawn or take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

DRAIN - standing water. Water found in old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, leaky pipes and faucets, birdbaths and wading pools can be breeding sites for mosquitoes.

DRESS - in light colored long sleeves and pants when you are outside, especially in mosquito infested areas.

DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) - if you are going to be outside when mosquitoes are most active, make sure you apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellent when outdoors.

"Florida's mosquito control districts have done a tremendous job with ongoing monitoring of mosquito populations and taking action when necessary," Bronson said. "But ultimately, it is up to people to take steps to protect themselves and their animals from mosquitoborne diseases."

Across Florida, there are 56 mosquito control districts that routinely conduct proactive mosquito surveillance with specific and effective research. They have improved methods of controlling mosquitoes, improved identification of mosquito species that transmit disease, established procedures for the early detection of new mosquitoes, and researched environmental factors that make mosquito disease outbreaks more likely.

For more information on mosquito-borne diseases and prevention, consumers can call the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), or visit the department's web site at http://www.doacs.state.fl.us. For more localized information, contact Santa Rosa County Mosquito Control at (850) 981- 7135.