June is the start of rainy season in South Florida. All of this rainwater means there is something else residents must contend with – mosquitoes. Did you know that there are 45 different mosquito species in Dade County? If you’ve stepped outside in the early morning hours or just after sunset, you have felt their annoying stings.
Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance. They carry disease. That’s why beginning each June, areas throughout Dade and Broward counties are sprayed to help control the mosquito population. In addition, biologists set mosquito traps, separate mosquitoes into species, and test them for disease.
Helping to control the mosquito population is something every resident can participate in. There are specific things you can do to keep these annoying critters at bay.
The Miami-Dade Health Department has some recommendations to help you:
At home
- Standing water that becomes stale and dirty is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. With this in mind, remove any standing water that may be in or around your yard. This includes water that may be in garbage cans, tires, buckets, pool covers, toys and flowerpots.
- Keep birdbaths clean. It is important that you empty and clean it twice a week during rainy season.
- Use a tarp that doesn’t accumulate water to protect boats and cars.
- Keep your pool in good condition and make sure it contains the proper amount of chlorine. Empty portable, plastic swimming pools when you aren’t using them.
- Get your screens repaired. Check them for holes today to keep mosquitoes out of your house.
Your personal protection
- Cover up as much as you can when outdoors. If you can stand it, wear long sleeves and slacks along with shoes and socks. It’s hot and humid here in summer so wear natural fibers like cotton and linen to help keep you cool.
- Repellents with 10-30% DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective, according to the Miami-Dade Health Department. Please follow the instructions on the label.
- Millions of users find relief from mosquito attacks by using Avon Skin-So-Soft. Mosquitoes don't like the scent, so they stay away. This is an option for those who would rather not use products containing DEET.
- Use mosquito netting over your stroller for infants younger than two months old.
For more information visit the following sites:
Miami Dade County Public Works
Broward County Public Works
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