A number of Dengue fever cases, tied to the illness-carrying mosquitoes, have been reported in nearby Orange County. Following that, and recent heavy rains that soaked the region, Osceola County Mosquito Control will begin low-flying aerial spraying countywide on Thursday. It is expected to last, weather permitting, through Sunday from 8 p.m. to dawn the following morning.
The county, after County Manager Don Fisher received unanimous consent from commissioners at the Oct. 5 Board meeting, has contracted with a vendor who can provide aerial spraying for mosquitoes.
Per the county, treatments are intended to reduce mosquito populations and to help limit the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses, particularly as the Florida Department of Health has reported an uptick in locally transmitted mosquito-borne illnesses in the Central Florida region.
Osceola County Mosquito Control will continue performing surveillance activities to monitor mosquito breeding habitats and perform ground-based mosquito treatments, including the application of ground-based biological larvicide and evening spray applications throughout the County as conditions permit. Treatments cannot be performed when it is raining or when winds are greater than 10 mph. Apiaries and hobbyists who are concerned about any potential impacts are encouraged to contact Osceola County Mosquito Control at 407-742-0505 for additional resources.
Residents are asked to limit possible mosquito breeding spots on their properties by eliminating standing water sources, including rain gutters, outdoor containers, and other areas where water may collect, and flush birdbaths at least every three days. It is recommended to avoid outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active, particularly around dusk and dawn.
