Hillsborough County Hopes To Take Sting Out Of Beach Trips

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL -- Following heavy rain brought by Subtropical Storm Alberto, Hillsborough County Mosquito Management will treat areas along the Hillsborough County coastline by air on Thursday, May 31, between 8:30 p.m. and 2 a.m.

The product Dibrom will be used to control adult mosquitoes on roughly 40,871 acres. If weather or mechanical issues prevent this treatment Thursday, the mission will be rescheduled for Friday, June 1 to Monday, June 4, between 8:30 p.m. and 2 a.m.

The boundaries of the areas to be sprayed are:

South Tampa (4,570 acres)
North Boundary: West Gandy Boulevard
South Boundary: MacDill Air Force Base
East Boundary: Hillsborough Bay (body of water)
West Boundary: Picnic Island

MacDill Air Force Base (5,526 acres)
North Boundary: North Boundary Road
South Boundary: Flagpole Road
East Boundary: Bayshore Boulevard
West Boundary: West Boundary Road

Hookers Point (10,414 acres)
North Boundary: Selmon Expressway
South Boundary: Riverview Drive
East Boundary: South 78th Street
West Boundary: Hillsborough Bay

Gibsonton (10,349 acres)
North Boundary: Riverview Drive
South Boundary: Big Bend Road
East Boundary: I-75
West Boundary: Tampa Bay (body of water)

Apollo Beach (10,012 acres)
North Boundary: Big Bend Road
South Boundary: East College Avenue
East Boundary: US 41
West Boundary: Tampa Bay (body of water)

The mission will be done by a twin engine Piper Aztec airplane at an altitude of 300 feet.

For more information on this spraying, contact Hillsborough County Mosquito Management at (813) 635-5400.

Stop Mosquitoes Around Your Home

Residents may have standing water around their homes that can support the breeding of mosquitoes. Follow these tips from the Florida Department of Health to help prevent mosquito breeding:

• Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots, buckets, watering cans, kiddie pools, and any other containers where rainwater has collected.
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances, and other items that may collect water.
• Clean out rain gutters and downspouts regularly.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not accumulate water.
• Keep swimming pools in good condition, and maintain chlorination.

For more information on the Hillsborough County Mosquito Management and tips on preventing or reducing mosquitoes, click here.

Image via Florida Extension