City of Ocala Mosquito Control Update

OCALA, Fla. (Sept. 21, 2017) – Following Hurricane Irma, the City of Ocala is actively working to address mosquito control and areas of concern for residents. The City has deployed staff to immediately resume larviciding areas that are currently holding water due to effects from the hurricane. Along with Clarke Mosquito, the City is also spraying areas that have been investigated and determined to have a nuisance adult mosquito population.

“Larviciding is the best line of defense in mosquito control and kills the mosquito larvae prior to them reaching the adult, or biting, stage,” said Brian Herrick, Stormwater Manager, City of Ocala Public Works Department. “City staff is currently working to larvicide drainage retention areas (DRA), ditches, swales and low-lying areas. Since April 2017, the City of Ocala has addressed and treated a total of 16.6 acres in the City limits.”

Clarke Mosquito is the City’s adulticiding contractor and handles all of the ultra-low volume (UVL) spraying. Residents may see this contractor and their trucks in the evening omitting a thin mist of fog into the air from the rear of the vehicle. According to City staff, the evening is the best time to adulticide due to the amount of human activity outside, along with low wind speeds. Clarke Mosquito has sprayed a total of 361 miles within the City limits since June 9, 2017.

Below are some helpful tips to help residents stay safe and informed during this time:

•Drain standing water around the home on a weekly basis. Mosquitoes only need approximately one inch of standing water to lay eggs. Potential breeding sites around the home can include:
-Flower pots
-Bird baths
-Children’s toys
-Gutters
-Old tires
-Pools
-Buckets

  • Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Residents should take precautions during these times and are encouraged to use mosquito repellent when outdoors.
  • Residents should dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors to avoid mosquito bites.

    For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Public Works Department at 352-351-6733.