Salt Marsh Mosquitoes on the Rise in Coastal Areas

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Residents of Oak Hill, Edgewater, and New Smyrna Beach are experiencing an increase in pesky Salt Marsh Mosquitoes near the coast. 

According to a release, these aggressive mosquitoes are blowing in from the salt marsh into residential areas; they bite during the day and night. 

Volusia County Mosquito Control is responding as quickly as possible to resolve the situation. 

Mosquito Control staff is out in full force inspecting and treating larval production sites in the marsh. Trucks are spraying after sunset to treat adult populations as weather permits, as the increased winds can delay adulticide operations. 

Residents may submit requests for service and view scheduled areas for treatment at www.volusia.org/mosquito. 

Residents of incorporated Deltona, DeBary, Orange City, Lake Helen, DeLand, and Pierson should call their city to submit a request.

"Our team continues to treat the standing water on the ground during the day and adult mosquitoes at night," said Sue Bartlett, director of Volusia County Mosquito Control. "You can help by doing your part to protect yourself and your family."

To further deter Salt Marsh Mosquitoes, use an EPA-approved insect repellent, Cover-up using long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Keep mosquitoes outside by covering windows and doors with screens.

For more suggestions, visit the Centers for Disease Control website at https://www.cdc.gov/features/stopmosquitoes/index.html. 

Staff is asking residents to check their yards for containers like pots, buckets, tires, toys, pools, pet dishes, or any other content that may be holding small amounts of water. Pockets of standing water are prime habitats for those pesky and sometimes disease-carrying mosquitoes. 

More information can also be found by visiting volusia.org/mosquito; click on "Tips on Mosquito Protection."