Hurricane Helene Update No. 18
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Sept. 28, 2024) - Floodwaters are a favorite breeding ground for mosquitoes, which often can go from egg to full-grown biting adult in as few as four days.
Hillsborough County is asking residents to help control the mosquito population by eliminating all standing or still water on their properties that could be breeding mosquitoes left behind as the floodwaters recede.
Since flood surge waters can come to rest in areas that do not usually see stormwater, residents should be on the lookout for puddles in garages or covered pool decks and porches that may have taken on surging stormwater. This water can be removed with a push broom, floor squeegee even a shop vac. Eliminating puddles and other standing water disrupts the mosquito life cycle and prevents them from maturing to flying, biting insects.
Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services is working through the weekend testing and treating for mosquitoes across the County and particularly in storm-impacted areas. Residents can help the County control the mosquito population in their neighborhood by eliminating standing water.
Here are a few tips to clean up water around your home after a heavy storm:
- Any items filled with floodwater should be drained, turned over, and emptied or dried out.
- Clean out rain gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters are one of the most overlooked breeding sites for mosquitoes around homes.
- Empty and turn over containers holding water, such as cans, jars, drums, bottles, flower pots, buckets, children's toys, wheelbarrows, garbage can lids, small boats or canoes, and old appliances. Use plastic sheeting or tarps to cover objects, like grills or swimming pools.
- Tires can breed thousands of mosquitoes. Drain or get rid of old tires by recycling them.
- Change the water and clean out pet dishes and bird baths. Flush out bromeliad plants.
For more information on Hillsborough County Mosquito Control and tips to prevent or reduce mosquitoes, visit HCFL.Gov/Mosquito.
Most common residential mosquito breeding ground items include:
- Toys
- Roof gutters
- Water features
- Uncovered boats
- Potted plants
- Bird baths
- Puddles - natural or under A/C units
- Neglected pools/hot tubs
- Drainage ditches
- Items in recycle bins
Get Connected. Stay Alert.
Make sure to have a plan. Residents and visitors are encouraged to register for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County's official public notification system for emergency and urgent alerts. To receive messages by email, phone, and text, go to HCFL.gov/StaySafe.
Residents without digital access are encouraged to call (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676, the County's storm information line.