As the summer heat and rains settle into central Florida, Consolidated Pest Control is launching its annual Mosquito Week awareness campaign to educate residents about a significant but often underestimated threat: the mosquito. While their buzzing and biting are a familiar nuisance, few people realize that mosquitoes are the single most dangerous animal on the planet, responsible for up to one million deaths worldwide each year.
Here in Florida, the threat is not a distant headline, it’s a local reality. Our warm, humid climate makes Hillsborough County a perfect breeding ground for these pests and the dangerous diseases they carry.
A Rapidly Growing Global & Local Threat: Dengue Fever
Among the various mosquito-borne illnesses, one is spreading at an alarming rate. In 2024, dengue fever was the fastest-growing mosquito-borne disease across the globe. The Americas alone saw reported cases skyrocket, underscoring a dramatic global surge.
This trend has hit close to home. Last year, Florida reported over 1,000 travel-associated cases of dengue, where individuals were infected abroad and returned to the state. More disconcertingly, there were also dozens of locally-acquired cases, meaning Florida’s own mosquito population is actively spreading the virus. Hillsborough County was among the counties reporting these local transmissions. Effective mosquito reduction is one of the most critical public health measures to prevent these numbers from climbing.
Mosquitoes are more than just a backyard annoyance, they are a serious health risk to our families and pets. Our goal during Mosquito Week is to arm homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to protect their property and their loved ones.
Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Central Florida
Beyond dengue, Florida’s mosquito population can transmit several other serious illnesses, including:
- West Nile Virus: The most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States, it can cause fever, headache, and in severe cases, neurological damage.
- Zika Virus: Famously linked to birth defects, Zika remains a threat transmitted by the same mosquitoes that spread dengue.
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE): A rare but extremely dangerous virus that can cause severe inflammation of the brain.
- Chikungunya: A virus that causes severe joint pain, fever, and rash.
Your First Line of Defense: Proactive Prevention
The experts at Consolidated Pest Control emphasize that the most effective way to combat these threats starts right in your own backyard. Homeowners can take several steps to reduce mosquito populations:
- Drain Standing Water: Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a bottlecap full of water. At least once a week, empty and scrub items like birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, clogged gutters, tarps, and children’s toys.
- Dress to Protect: When outdoors, especially during peak mosquito hours at dawn and dusk, wear long sleeves, pants, and socks to minimize exposed skin.
- Defend with Repellent: Use an EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin.
- Secure Your Home: Ensure all window and door screens are in good repair to keep mosquitoes out.
For Ultimate Protection, Trust the Professionals
While individual efforts are crucial, they are often not enough to eliminate the threat entirely. A comprehensive, professional mosquito reduction program is the most reliable way to safeguard your family and reclaim your yard.
Consolidated Pest Control offers a specialized Mosquito Reduction service designed for the unique challenges of the central Florida environment. Their licensed technicians create a protective barrier around your property, targeting both adult mosquitoes and their larvae where they live and breed. As a full-service pest control and lawn fertilization company, they also ensure your lawn care practices don’t inadvertently create mosquito-friendly habitats.
This Mosquito Week, don’t let the world’s deadliest animal go unchecked in your backyard. Take action by eliminating standing water and contact Consolidated Pest Control for a free consultation to learn more about their comprehensive mosquito reduction and lawn care solutions.
