From Nick Tomecek, Okaloosa County PIO
Okaloosa County Mosquito Control and the Florida Department of Health urge the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts. These should include remembering to “SWAT.”
- Stay inside with screened doors and windows when mosquitoes are biting (dusk and dawn).
- When outside, wear clothing that covers skin.
- Apply mosquito repellant that includes DEET [N, N diethyl-m-toluamide] on your skin when you are outside
- Turn over standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs or rid your outdoor area of standing water in which mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
Remember to apply all mosquito repellants in accordance with the recommended frequency and methods suggested by the manufacturer.
Okaloosa County Mosquito Control suggests the following steps to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses:
- DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying: Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, children’s toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
- Discard tires*, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pets water bowls at least once or twice a week.
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
* Waste tires can be dropped off FREE to residents at the South Okaloosa County Transfer Station and the Baker Landfill. Free waste tire drop-off is limited to passenger car and light truck tires, with a cap of five tires per household per month. Businesses are required to pay a small fee.
COVER skin with clothing or repellent:
Clothing: Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
Repellent: Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are effective. Netting: Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than two months old.
COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
The County Mosquito Control Program sprays throughout the county, excluding state and federal lands. Treatments typically begin an hour before sunset or after sunrise, aligning with peak mosquito activity, though spraying may occasionally occur outside these times. By law, all spraying must be justified using surveillance data and approved methods. Schedules may shift due to weather or equipment issues.
Beyond spraying, the county runs a robust larviciding program, treating around 2,000 sites that are regularly monitored. In addition, over 750 ponds and spots with standing water are stocked with gambusia fish, which feed on mosquito larvae and reproduce quickly.
Residents are encouraged to vaccinate their outdoor animals against mosquito-borne diseases. Horses need protection against Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) through vaccination. While West Nile and EEE can pop up year-round, they peak in August, September, and October. Horses require two vaccine shots, spaced three to six weeks apart, followed by boosters every three to six months. Dog owners should also ensure their pets are treated for heartworms, as some mosquitoes in Okaloosa County can transmit this disease too.
The schedule for the Destin area is Mondays from the Walton County Line to Airport Rd., and Tuesdays from Airport Rd. to the Destin Bridge.
For the full mosquito spray schedule, preventative tips and other related information, visit https://www.myokaloosa.com/pw/environmental/mosquito-control. To view the interactive spray schedule map showing the general treatment areas organized by days of the week, visit https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/78a38f77f8d94511ad1e2ab55027a1c3. The Mosquito Control Division of Public Works is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., (850) 651-7394 or (850) 689-5772.
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