Pasco County Mosquito Control District helping in Hillsborough neighborhoods

Hillsborough County, Fla. (Sept. 21, 2026) - Hillsborough County residents will notice an orange-and-charcoal helicopter flying low from Sept. 21 to Sept. 25 this week, treating neighborhoods during daytime hours as the County works to stop the spread of dengue fever.

Pasco County's Mosquito Control District (PCMCD) will treat neighborhoods by day with a low-flying helicopter to supplement the work of Hillsborough County Mosquito Management and help combat mosquito larvae.

Daytime aerial operations are planned throughout the week between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to specifically target mosquito larvae across most of central Tampa from Busch Boulevard down to San Miguel Street in South Tampa and from Manhattan Avenue to 50th Street in East Tampa. Neighborhoods like Seminole Heights, Ybor City, West Tampa, and Palma Ceia will be treated.

The aerial application is liquid Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), which is a naturally occurring bacterium. The product does not harm people, pets, fish, birds, or beneficial insects, and it breaks down naturally in the environment.

This operation will look and sound substantially different from other mosquito-control activities residents may have previously observed.

Residents and businesses within and around the treatment area may see:

  • The helicopter flying at low altitude, generally just above trees, structures, and other obstacles where safe and operationally appropriate
  • Multiple straight, parallel flight passes over residential and commercial neighborhoods
  • Repeated passes over or near individual properties as the aircraft progresses through the treatment grid
  • Significant and readily noticeable helicopter noise associated with low-altitude operations
  • Visible application of a liquid mosquito larvicide over the designated treatment area

The boundaries of this treatment operation are:

  • North Boundary: Busch Boulevard
  • South Boundary: San Miguel Street/Selmon Expressway
  • East Boundary: North 50th Street
  • West Boundary: Manhattan Avenue

The operation is expected to require approximately two days to complete, depending upon weather, wind conditions, aviation considerations, and other operational factors.

Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services is urging residents across Tampa to take action to protect themselves against mosquitoes. Mosquito Management crews are increasing treatments by air and ground because mosquito traps in many neighborhoods are showing dengue fever virus activity in the mosquito populations.

The Mosquito Management team has worked closely with Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County for surveillance, education, and treatment in the impacted area.

Residents can do their part as well by following the 3 Ds:

  • Dress in light-colored, long-sleeved clothing with closed-toed shoes.
  • Defend using an insect repellent with a CDC-recommended ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • Dump or cover standing water.

Residents can sign up to be notified of where localized aerial treatments are occurring in their neighborhood. Hillsborough County also maintains an online resource for residents to view where treatments are occurring.

For information, contact Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services at (813) 635-5400.