Almost 50% of Newtown and Midtown Breeding Mosquitoes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Florida Keys Mosquito Control

Sept 2, 2011

Info: Coleen Fitzsimmons

(305) 292-7190

Almost 50% of Newtown and Midtown Breeding Mosquitoes

This past week, Florida Keys Mosquito Control found almost 50% of the homes they visited in Newtown and Midtown not only holding water, but water with Aedes aegypti larvae. The Aedes aegypti mosquito has the potential to spread dengue fever and keeping the populations to a minimum should be a goal for the community, with an acceptable level of less than 2%. Homeowners need to continue being diligent about dumping water around their homes.

Mosquito Control is working to eliminate these water-holding containers throughout Key West but need community participation to succeed. FKMCD is conducting aerial larvicide missions twice a week and all adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes collected in traps are tested for dengue. There have been no positive cases of dengue for 2011 in Key West and we would all like to see this trend continue.

Dengue is a man-made problem with the Aedes aegypti preferring artificial containers like buckets, coolers, plant saucers, tarps, fountains and other water-holding places around your home. Individuals can take simple steps to prevent the spread of this virus. After each rain event and at least twice a week, walk around your yard and turn over or remove any water-holding containers. Please empty pots, buckets, beverage containers, ashtrays and pet bowls. Check tarps on boats or equipment and replace water in birdbaths. Flush fresh water into bromeliads and hanging plants and call Florida Keys Mosquito Control.

Please call Mosquito Control at 292-7190 for Questions and

Service Requests.