Hillsborough Co. increases mosquito-killing efforts

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Hillsborough County Mosquito Control took to the sky to target areas where mosquito numbers aren't being reduced with the normal treatment methods already being used.

The county's head of mosquito control, Ron Montgomery, said surveys of local traps showed problem areas around Apollo Beach, MacDill Air Force Base and the 6,000 acre area south of Gandy Boulevard.  

The county already sends crews out in trucks on an almost nightly basis to spray the pesticide Anvil 10+10 ULV. Thursday, a Bell Jet Ranger 206 helicopter was sent to an altitude of 300 feet to cover the areas of West Gandy Blvd, MacDill Air Force Base, Hillsborough Bay and Picnic Island. 

Officials hope the additional effort will result in less painful, itchy bites for Hillsborough County residents, and less fear of spreading mosquito-borne diseases like the Zika virus. 

Montgomery said Zika has not been detected in mosquitoes in Florida and he hopes efforts like the ones taken in Hillsborough Co. will keep it that way.

Hillsborough County said Anvil 10+10 ULV is FDA approved for use in populated areas and there were no concerns for the pesticide being sprayed in populated areas. 

Stop Mosquitoes from Living and Multiplying Around Your Home

The following information was provided by Hillsborough County Mosquito Control.

Residents may have standing water around their homes that can support the breeding of mosquitoes. Follow these tips from the Florida Department of Health to help prevent mosquito breeding:

- Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots, buckets, watering cans, kiddie pools, and any other containers where rainwater has collected.
- Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances, and other items that may collect water.
- Clean out rain gutters and downspouts regularly.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not accumulate water.
- Keep swimming pools in good condition, and maintain chlorination.

For more information on this spraying, contact Hillsborough County Mosquito Control at (813) 635-5400. For more information on the Hillsborough County Mosquito Control Unit and tips on preventing or reducing mosquitoes, visit HillsboroughCounty.org/Mosquito.