Miami-Dade County observes first annual Florida Mosquito Control Awareness Week

The Florida Mosquito Control Association is hosting the first-ever state-wide “Mosquito Control Awareness Week” today through Saturday, April 25, an initiative to highlight the importance of the services its members provide to residents. Miami-Dade County’s Mosquito Control Division will participate by pushing content on its social media channels, and by hosting virtual events this week. The activities come during a time mosquito activity traditionally begins to spike, alongside increased rainfall to the area.

“To me, mosquito control awareness week is every week,” says Division Director Dr. William Petrie. “Although present throughout the year here in Miami-Dade County, mosquito populations always radically increase at this time of year due to the additional rain and the rise in temperature. Nonetheless, it is very important to recognize these factors now and help residents understand what to do to protect themselves.”

Due to social distancing restrictions put into place because of the coronavirus outbreak, the awareness activities will be limited to strictly online events. The division is planning a #FLMosquitoWeek Twitter chat with Dr. Petrie at 12 noon on Wednesday, April 22, a live Facebook Q&A at 12 noon on Thursday, April 23, virtual outreach sessions throughout the week, as well as social media posts on the @305Mosquito social channels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The County’s “Fight The Bite” and “Drain and Cover” campaigns urges residents to reduce mosquito breeding by eliminating standing water around their homes and businesses, and limiting bites by wearing long sleeve clothing whenever possible to limit exposed skin, and applying a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered mosquito repellent. Scattering Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), a bacteria-based larvicide safe for use around humans, pets, animals, birds, and other pollinators, in granule form on bromeliads, and in dunk form in fountains and bird baths, also greatly helps.

Deemed an essential service by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, mosquito control services have continued in Miami-Dade County, albeit with some restrictions to comply with social distancing mandates and to ensure the safety of not only residents, but also inspectors, supervisors, and operations personnel. 

To report mosquito nuisance issues, call 311, click www.miamidade.gov/311direct or download the Miami-Dade County Solid Waste Management Department’s new mobile app. For more information about Miami-Dade County’s Mosquito Control program, please visit www.miamidade.gov/mosquito.