There remains a high count of mosquitoes throughout Volusia County due to the standing water. Residents are encouraged to purchase and use mosquito repellant with DEET.

Volusia County’s Mosquito Control will be spraying throughout the weekend, weather permitting. Tonight fogging trucks will be in the areas of Halifax Plantation in Ormond Beach, the Emporia area (west Volusia) and Lake Ashby (west and south). Saturday, Sept. 6, in the morning, a helicopter will be spraying in the Edgewater, Oak Hill and Deltona areas. Saturday, Sept. 6, in the evening, a truck will be spraying in Daytona Park Estates (DeLand) and between S.R. 44 and Pioneer Trail in New Smyrna Beach. Sunday, Sept. 7, in the morning, a helicopter will be spraying in the areas of Ormond Beach (west of I-95, including Plantation Pines subdivision) and the areas of Enterprise, Stone Island, Osteen, Lemon Bluff and Lake Ashby (north and east).

Today emergency officials also were notified that FEMA has approved aerial spraying in Volusia County with their fixed-wing aircraft that can cover larger areas. Officials are hoping this increased spraying will begin soon. Disaster-related mosquito control costs are considered to be emergency protective measures, and now since approved, are eligible for FEMA reimbursement. Since widespread mosquito control requires the controlled use of chemicals, all state and federal approval steps are designed to make sure significant action is required and the public, as well as domestic and wild animals, are protected.

AS WATERS RECEDE, MOSQUITOES POSE THREAT TO FLORIDIANS

~Standing flood waters cause mosquito boom~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Receding flood waters in Florida have become breeding grounds for masses of mosquitoes looking to put a damper on clean up efforts. State officials urge residents to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites by following the "5 D's" recommended by the Department of Health.

• Dusk and Dawn- Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood. For many species, this is during the dusk and dawn hours.

• Dress- Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.

• DEET- When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, or N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) are recommended. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other repellent options. If additional protection is necessary, a permethrin repellent can be applied directly to your clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer's directions.

• Drainage- Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, which is where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.

Department of Health urges precautionary measures to prevent West Nile virusand other mosquito-borne illnesses

"As we enter the holiday weekend, we urge all residents and visitors who are outside cleaning up or outside celebrating with family to keep these safety tips in mind," said Florida Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate. "We want all Floridians to protect themselves against mosquito-borne illness."

Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Residents should rid their homes and yards of standing water as much as possible. Other potential breeding sites include eaves, troughs and gutters, plant trays and empty pots.

For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the Department of Health's Environmental Health website.

The State Emergency Response Team, in partnership with the Florida Departments of Health and Agriculture, continues to monitor the increased presence of mosquitoes throughout Florida and is prepared to respond to health-safety issues as they arise.

For additional information on the State Emergency Response Team please visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management online.