OKALOOSA'S

MOSQUITO EXPLOSION

It has been almost a month since Hurricane Sally passed through Okaloosa County – but the lasting issues from her wrath aren’t limited to flooding, downed trees and other debris.

THE MOSQUITOES

If you haven't already noticed, the hurricane left Okaloosa County, and the residents, with a mosquito explosion. 

Scott Henson Public Works Project Manager

FOR THE LAST MONTH,

The Mosquito Control Division of Okaloosa County has attempted tirelessly to destroy as many larvae, mosquito eggs, as possible. Mosquito traps in the county have seen as much as a 1700% increase in the number of mosquitos caught.

The northern end of Okaloosa County, especially around Holt and Crestview, has had an extreme increase in the population of mosquitoes as a direct consequence of the rains brought by Sally. The Mosquito Control Division has moved from days to nights as the larvae mature into fully grown mosquitoes. The change in tactic allows them a better chance at reducing the population – which is now older and out at night.

BRIAN SHEPHEARD

“From a county standpoint, we have 12 trap locations – six in the north end and six in the south end. Before hurricane sally, we had been seeing 300-400 mosquitoes in each trap give or take. Now after hurricane sally, we are seeing six to seven thousand mosquitoes.” 

MOSQUITO CONTROL

While one of the last parting gifts from Hurricane Sally is the massive increase in mosquitoes – Mosquito Control continues to work diligently to rid the county of this latest affect from the storm.

THANKS FOR READING

For more information on the spraying in your neighborhood,  please visit Okaloosa County's website.

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