Did you know that landlords in Florida must, under state law, inspect and replace window screens on their rentals every year? The rule aims at combatting Florida’s more than 80 species of mosquitoes. No North American state or province has more. Florida has bragging rights, yes, but it also has reason to take extra precautions to keep properties as mosquito-free as possible.
News that mosquitoes had carried the Zika virus into the continental U.S. last year was a rare motivator for even the most complaisant residents to finally tackle “skeeters.” And many are still putting careful measures in place to deter these disease-carrying insects. That’s good, because however tempting it is to slack off on prevention, now is NOT the time.
Vigilance is critical in controlling mosquitoes and minimizing exposure to the dangers of Zika. Giving these pests even the slightest encouragement can redouble their population in a very short time. The easiest way to discourage mosquitos is to remove their preferred breeding grounds, which is standing water. This is an almost daily task during rainy weather, and it’s hard to overturn every object where water collects. In fact, in some cases it is impossible to get rid of all standing water, such as with ornamental or natural ponds. In those cases, professional treatment is the route to control and elimination.
Monthly visits from a mosquito exterminator during the March-October season will control the mosquito population as well as other flying insects, such as pesky gnats and biting no-see-ums. All natural areas and property turf get treatment, and targeted spray can reach up into landscape trees. And, of course, since water is what entices mosquitoes, any pond or fountain gets special attention with treatments that specifically address larvae.
