SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — While Sarasota County dries out following this week's heavy rainfall, Mosquito Management Services will treat woodlots, coast and other flooded areas for the insect.
Staff members will be monitoring bodies of stagnant water for larval mosquitoes to prevent large amounts from hatching, Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services said in a news release.
At this time, mosquito management says people need to dump or cover anything in their yard holding water to reduce mosquito problems, including buckets, tarps, toys, plant saucers and other items.
This will allow more time for staff to tackle larger areas and neighborhood problems, officials said in the release.
To reduce bites, people in Sarasota County are recommended to wear long, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing, according to mosquito management. Service requests can be submitted online or by calling 311.
Here are some more tips from Mosquito Management on how to protect your home from mosquitoes
- Remove standing water - Check trash cans, buckets, tubs, pet dishes, flowerpot dishes, etc.
- Take care of Bromeliads - Mosquitoes love to breed in these flowers. Try replacing them with native plants or treat them with pesticides
- Use “Mosquito Fish” - Otherwise known as Gambusia holbrooki, these fish are native to Sarasota County and love to eat mosquito larvae. One fish can eat up to 100 per day.
- Use screenings on doors and windows - Also make sure to keep your doors closes and use air conditioning when possible
- Schedule a service request - You can contact a technician to visit your home to take care of a mosquito problem here.
For more information on protecting your home, visit Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services’ official website.
