On April 25, WORLD MALARIA DAY: FKMCD Reminds Residents to Fight the Bite by Dumping & Preventing Standing Water 

The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) is using the occasion of WORLD MALARIA DAY to ask residents of the Florida Keys to take a few minutes now to prevent or eliminate mosquito breeding sites BEFORE the Summer rainy season kicks into high gear.

While Malaria is no longer a major health concern in the United States, other mosquito borne disease such as Dengue Fever have affected dozens of Florida Keys residents in recent years.

By making a thorough inspection of their property NOW residents of the Keys can greatly reduce the likelihood that their property will become a breeding ground for potentially dangerous biting mosquitoes such as the disease spreading Aedes aegypti which prefers to live and breed around human hosts.

FKMCD reminds residents that a few simple tasks can greatly diminish the chances of contracting dengue or other mosquito-borne diseases:

·        Walk around property and dump ANY standing water.

·        Cover or turn over anything that might catch and hold water during a rain.

·        Flush bromeliads and other water-holding plants every few days.

·        Wear long sleeves and pants if going outside.

·        Keep homes mosquito free by checking and repairing all screens.

·        Keep doors and windows closed.

·        Use insect repellent (with Deet) when going outdoors.

Andrea Leal, Executive Director of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District Said:

“One of the most effective mosquito control weapons in our inventory is community awareness and action. If our neighbors will just take a couple of minutes to cover, turn over, or eliminate water holding containers, it will go a long way toward stopping another disease outbreak before it ever gets started.”

The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District remains ready to help with any mosquito issue a Monroe County resident may have. Service requests can be submitted by calling 305-292-7190 or online at keysmosquito.org. 

About the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District

The mission of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District is to control the mosquito population using the most effective methods, techniques, equipment and insecticides; thus enhancing the quality of life for all residents and reducing the possibility of mosquito transmitted diseases. 

Follow FKMCD on Twitter at @FlKeysMosquito and on Facebook.  For more information about the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District, please visit www.keysmosquito.org.

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