Mosquito Alert in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties
Mosquito Caused Illnesses on the Rise in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties
Mosquito activity is more than a backyard nuisance—it can pose a serious health concern for Florida families. This week, the Florida Department of Health reported two confirmed cases of locally acquired dengue fever in Pinellas County and an eighth confirmed locally acquired dengue case in Hillsborough County. Both counties remain under mosquito-borne illness alerts while local health and mosquito control officials increase surveillance and treatment efforts. Protect your home and property by calling professional mosquito control experts and read some quick tips below!
Mosquitoes can transmit a variety of illnesses, including dengue, West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, chikungunya, malaria and Zika. While not every mosquito carries disease, Florida has mosquito species capable of transmitting several of these pathogens.
The good news is that homeowners can take simple steps to make their properties less attractive to mosquitoes. Mosquitoes don’t need much water to breed—some species can complete their life cycle in as little as a quarter inch of standing water. Follow the quick steps below to help reduce mosquito breeding areas around your home and call Clear Pest Pros of Clearwater to hire the local mosquito control experts.
Take Action Around Your Property
Start by walking around your home and eliminating anything that can collect rainwater or irrigation water. Empty flowerpots, buckets, children’s toys, wheelbarrows, pet dishes, birdbaths and other containers regularly. Keep gutters clear, make sure outdoor drains aren’t holding water, and repair leaks or areas where water consistently collects.
Don’t forget less obvious breeding areas. Pool equipment, tarps, garbage cans, recycling bins, clogged drains and even bromeliads can hold enough water for mosquitoes to reproduce. Keep swimming pools properly maintained and make sure pool screens and screens on doors and windows are intact. Personal protection is important too. When outdoors, wear loose fitting, light-colored clothing and use an EPA-registered insect repellent with an appropriate active ingredient.
Need Help Reducing Mosquitoes?
Even when you eliminate standing water around your property, mosquitoes can still enter from neighboring properties, natural areas and other nearby breeding sources. That’s where professional mosquito reduction can help.
Clear Pest Pros of Clearwater is offering a FREE mosquito inspection. A Clear Pest Pros technician can inspect your property, identify conditions that may be contributing to mosquito activity, and recommend professional mosquito reduction services designed to help make your outdoor spaces more comfortable and less attractive to mosquitoes. Don’t wait for mosquitoes to become a bigger problem. Take action today to reduce breeding areas, protect your family and enjoy your property with fewer mosquitoes.
