Hillsborough: Dump Water From Debris To Stop Mosquitos

TAMPA, FL – While contractors continue to clear debris from Hurricane Irma, Hillsborough County wants its residents to remember to keep water from collecting in their storm debris to keep down the mosquito population.

According to Hillsborough County, the easiest way to prevent mosquito bites is to stop them from breeding in the first place. Mosquito larvae needs water to grow, and the most effective method to keep them from reproducing is to deprive them of water.

However, since Hurricane Irma, new areas where standing water may have appeared on a person’s property. Whether it’s a Styrofoam cup in a pile of debris or a plastic tarp sitting on the ground, debris and other items that can hold water can allow mosquitos to breed by the thousands within hours. The county said it’s critical to drain water and dispose of or move these items to prevent mosquito breeding.

Of the more than 40 mosquito species that live in Hillsborough County, the Asian tiger mosquito and the yellow fever mosquito have become the most significant pests because they closely associate with humans, according to county officials. These mosquitoes can spread dengue fever, chikungunya, the Zika virus, yellow fever viruses and other illnesses.

In addition to being active at dusk and dawn, when most mosquitos are active, these two species fly and feed in the daytime. The Asian tiger and yellow fever mosquitoes only breed in containers of water – not in puddles, ponds or ditches – so the best way to control them is by eliminating their breeding places.

Hillsborough County offers the following six tips to reduce mosquito breeding:

1. Drain water from garbage cans, gutters, pool covers, coolers, toys flower pots or any other containers where water has collected
2. Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used
3. Empty and clean birdbaths and pet bowls regularly
4. Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps so they don’t accumulate water
5. Maintain the chemistry of swimming pools; empty plastic swimming poos when not in use
6. Repair leaky pipes, outdoor faucets and faulty septic systems; don’t let runoff water from air conditioners collect in shady areas

To report mosquito-related issues, call the Hillsborough County Customer Service Center at (813) 635-5400 or click here to fill out an online form.

Image via Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page