Hurricane season is June 1st through November 30th. 

Are you prepared?

If you haven’t put together your disaster supply kit yet, now is the time. Review your emergency plans, restock essential supplies, and make sure you know your evacuation zone and routes. Taking these steps now helps ensure you’re ready before a storm arrives.

Mosquito Prevention After a Hurricane

Following a hurricane, flooding and debris that collect standing water can create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. As floodwaters recede, mosquito populations often increase significantly, making protection and prevention especially important during recovery efforts.

Why Do Mosquitoes Increase After a Hurricane?

Flooding can trigger the hatching of mosquito eggs that have remained dormant in soil since previous flood events. This often leads to a rapid increase in floodwater mosquitoes. While most of these mosquitoes are considered nuisance pests and do not spread disease, standing water left behind can also attract mosquito species that may carry viruses.

Are Post-Hurricane Mosquitoes Dangerous?

Most floodwater mosquitoes are simply a nuisance. However, certain species, such as the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti), can transmit diseases including dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.

Additionally, some mosquitoes that breed in standing water can carry West Nile virus. While the overall risk of mosquito-borne illness remains low, residents should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate breeding sites whenever possible.

How to Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites

To reduce your risk of mosquito bites:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing one of the following active ingredients:
  • DEET
  • Picaridin
  • IR3535
  • Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
  • Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
  • 2-Undecanone

How to Reduce Mosquito Breeding Around Your Property

One of the most effective ways to control mosquitoes is to eliminate standing water where they lay eggs.

Regularly empty and clean:

• Pet water dishes
• Birdbaths
• Buckets
• Flowerpot saucers
• Toys
• Vases
• Cans and other containers that collect water

For swimming pools that are not operating due to power outages, mosquito dunks or mosquito bits can help prevent mosquito larvae from developing. These products are available at most hardware and home improvement stores.

For large areas of standing water, contact your local mosquito control agency for assistance and treatment recommendations.

Remember: Drain and Dump

A simple way to help protect your family and community is to regularly drain and dump standing water around your home. Removing mosquito breeding sites is one of the most effective ways to reduce mosquito populations after a storm.

Basic Hurricane Emergency Kit Checklist

 *Certain preparedness items may be exempt from sales tax. Visit the Florida Department of Health for additional resources and preparedness information.