Orange County is asking for your help in the fight against mosquito-borne illnesses

From The Orange County Website:

Orange County is currently monitoring the status of the Zika virus. At this time, officials are asking for help from the community to minimize the potential spread of the virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses. The latest information on the Zika virus is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

HOW MOSQUITO CONTROL PLAYS A CRITICAL ROLE IN PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY:

In addition to minimizing the presence of unwanted pests, Mosquito Control plays a key role in helping to ensure public and community safety. Orange County Mosquito Control has a working laboratory where researchers examine mosquitoes and larva found within the community. This information helps Orange County identify target areas for treatment and migration trends. Their efforts range from removing standing water, which serves as a breeding area, to providing research and information to partner agencies, along with spraying communities to rid them of mosquitoes. Mosquito Control works in partnership with the Florida Department of Health (DOH), which is the lead agency monitoring for the presence of infectious disease in Florida. DOH provides critical information to key partners throughout the state regarding the status or spread of infectious disease.

HOW YOU CAN PREVENT MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASE?

Drain standing or still water to help eliminate breeding.

Apply insect repellants containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) to repel mosquitoes.

Wear long sleeves, pants and socks to prevent bites.

ORANGE COUNTY MOSQUITO CONTROL TOOLS:

Orange County uses the latest technology and methods including:

Truck-mounted spraying with insecticides approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state of Florida.

Surveillance using 27 special traps checked three times per week helps to identify the types of mosquitoes and estimate population size.

Daily inspection and treatment of breeding sites.

Public education on prevention of mosquito-borne diseases.

ORANGE COUNTY MOSQUITO CONTROL PROACTIVELY WORKS TO COMBAT:

West Nile virus (WNV)

Louis Encephalitis (SLE)

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

Dengue Fever

Chikungunya Virus

Zika Virus

For more information, refer to the Orange County website page on mosquito control here.