Mosquitoes in Florida

Florida’s heat, rain and standing water make mosquitoes a problem for most of the year. Beyond itchy bites, some Florida mosquitoes can spread diseases, so cutting down mosquitoes around your home protects your family as well as your evenings outside.

Where backyard mosquitoes breed

Many backyard mosquitoes breed in small amounts of standing water: flowerpot saucers, buckets, birdbaths, clogged gutters, tarps, toys, tires and bromeliads. Larger water like ponds, ditches and retention areas adds more.

What works (and what doesn’t)

• Works: emptying anything that holds water at least once a week (“tip and toss”), keeping gutters clear, repairing window and door screens, and wearing an EPA-registered repellent outdoors.
• Doesn’t work: planting citronella, lavender or other “mosquito-repelling” plants. UF/IFAS experts say these plants don’t keep mosquitoes away just by growing in your yard.

How DNR treats mosquitoes

Our mosquito service targets the places mosquitoes breed and rest around your home, along with tips to cut down standing water. Treatments are done monthly. To get the biggest reduction in mosquitoes around your home, we recommend year-round service, though most clients choose to treat from March through November. Call 727-594-0404 or book a free consult.

Related pest spotlights: Beneficial Insects in Florida and Ticks.

FAQ

When is mosquito season in Florida? Mosquitoes are active most of the year in Florida and peak during the warm, rainy summer months.

How often does DNR treat for mosquitoes? Once a month. Year-round service gives the best results, and most clients treat March through November.

Do citronella candles or plants keep mosquitoes away? Not reliably. Removing standing water and using a registered repellent work much better.

Does my county do mosquito control? Counties across Tampa Bay run public mosquito control programs; check your county’s website for spraying schedules and service requests.

Source: UF/IFAS Extension, Mosquitoes: What Works and What Doesn’t. Reviewed by Ricky Williams, Certified Operator in Charge.