HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Hillsborough County is asking residents to help combat a potential mosquito explosion following Hurricane Helene. Floodwaters create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which can mature into biting adults in just a few days.
The County is asking residents to eliminate any standing or still water on their properties, including unusual areas like garages or covered pool decks that may have collected floodwater. Clearing puddles and stagnant water disrupts the mosquito life cycle and prevents them from becoming biting insects.
Read: Hillsborough County Launches Online Form For Storm Damage Reporting
Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services is actively working to control the mosquito population, especially in storm-impacted areas. Residents can assist by eliminating standing water around their homes.
Tips for Mosquito Prevention:
- Drain any items that collected floodwater, turn them over, and empty or dry them out.
- Clean rain gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs, which are common mosquito breeding sites.
- Empty and turn over containers that hold water, such as cans, bottles, flower pots, buckets, toys, etc.
- Cover objects like grills or swimming pools with plastic sheeting or tarps.
- Drain or dispose of old tires, which can breed thousands of mosquitoes.
- Change water and clean pet dishes and bird baths regularly. Flush out bromeliad plants.
For more information, visit HCFL.Gov/Mosquito.
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