Orange County to combat mosquito population by air

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Mosquito Control said it will treat about 26,000 acres in rural east Orange County by air this week to reduce the mosquito population.

The county hasn't specified which day it will spray for mosquitoes, but it said the treatment is scheduled to begin at about 9 p.m. depending on weather.

"It is not necessary to take additional precautions to safeguard livestock, pets or gardens," officials said in a press release. "Aerial treatment remains the most effective way to combat high mosquito populations, as well as larva, across large acreage and areas not accessible or manageable by ground."

The insecticides are approved by the EPA and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and aren't harmful to humans, animals or other insects, OCMC said.

Several other Central Florida counties have recently implemented aerial spraying, officials said. It will be the first time since 2011 that the county has done so.

Experts blame a warm winter and recent heavy rain for the rising population, which elevates the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.

OCMC said a recent trap captured 4,000 mosquitoes, including species capable of transmitting the West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis and dog heartworm.

Officials urge residents to hinder mosquito breeding by overturning containers that can pool water.

Residents may call 311 for more information about mosquitoes.

Cox Media Group