Salt marsh mosquitoes on the rise in coastal areas

Posted On: April 9, 2021

Coastal residents of Oak Hill, Edgewater and New Smyrna Beach are experiencing an increase in pesky salt marsh mosquitoes. These aggressive mosquitoes are blowing in from the salt marsh into residential areas where they bite during the day and night. 

Volusia County Mosquito Control is responding as quickly as possible to resolve the situation. Staff is out in full force inspecting and treating larval production sites in the marsh. Trucks are spraying after sunset to treat adult populations as weather permits; increased winds can delay adulticide operations. 

For prompt service, residents may submit requests for service and view scheduled areas for treatment at www.volusia.org/mosquito. Missions areas are posted on Twitter; follow @CountyofVolusia. Information is also posted to the Volusia County Mosquito Control Facebook page.

Residents of incorporated Deltona, DeBary, Orange City, Lake Helen, DeLand and Pierson should call their city to submit a request.

"Our team continues to treat the standing water on the ground during the day and adult mosquitoes at night," said Sue Bartlett, director of Volusia County Mosquito Control. "You can help by doing your part to protect yourself and your family."

Bartlett offers these suggestions:

• Use an EPA approved insect repellent.
• Cover up using long sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Keep mosquitoes outside. Cover windows and doors with screens.

For more suggestions, visit the Centers for Disease Control website at https://www.cdc.gov/features/stopmosquitoes/index.html. 

Don't forget to check your yard for containers (pots, buckets, tires, toys, pools, pet dishes, etc.) that may be holding small amounts of water. Pockets of standing water are prime habitats for those pesky and sometimes disease-carrying mosquitoes. More information can also found by visiting volusia.org/mosquito and clicking on "Tips on mosquito protection."