NOTICE: Supplemental Emergency Mosquito Control Treatments Begin Monday, October 19

Residents may see small airplanes conducting mosquito control treatments over portions of Pasco County Monday evening.

The Pasco County Mosquito Control District (PCMCD) is coordinating supplemental emergency mosquito control treatments beginning Monday, October 19, using up to four fixed-wing aircraft operated by contracted provider Vector Disease Control International (VDCI).

These aircraft will look different from the orange-and-charcoal helicopters residents typically see flying for PCMCD. The contractor will use small airplanes to conduct targeted applications intended to reduce adult mosquito populations. Residents may see the aircraft around sunset and during the evening hours, generally between 6:30 p.m. and midnight.

Why are these additional treatments taking place?

The Greater Tampa Bay region is experiencing a significant dengue virus outbreak, while West Nile virus activity has also been detected through PCMCD’s sentinel chicken surveillance program in Pasco County and surrounding communities this year. Recent rainfall associated with Hurricane Isaias has left additional standing water in portions of the county, creating favorable conditions for mosquito production.

In response to these public health concerns, Pasco County declared a Local State of Emergency, followed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order 26-212, which included Pasco County in the state’s emergency response. These declarations help make additional resources available to address mosquito-borne disease threats.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is providing emergency funding to support these supplemental treatments.

These supplemental treatments are in addition to—not in lieu of—PCMCD’s routine daytime and nighttime mosquito control operations. The District continues to conduct enhanced mosquito surveillance and targeted control activities throughout Pasco County in response to the ongoing threat of mosquito-borne diseases. Our teams remain actively engaged in monitoring mosquito populations and disease activity, identifying areas of concern, and implementing appropriate control measures to protect public health.

 

What should residents expect?

• Fixed-wing aircraft: VDCI will conduct the contracted operation using up to 4 small airplanes rather than PCMCD’s regular helicopters.
• Evening applications: Treatments are scheduled to begin Monday, October 19, around sunset, generally between 6:30 p.m. and midnight, weather permitting.
• Possible Tuesday operations: Work may continue Tuesday, October 20, if needed. Weather and operational conditions may affect the schedule.
• Targeted adult mosquito control: These applications are intended to reduce adult mosquito populations and help mitigate the risk of mosquito-borne disease transmission.
• Additional support: The contracted operation supplements PCMCD’s ongoing surveillance and mosquito control activities.

Treatment areas are identified on the accompanying map. Actual operations may be adjusted based on weather, operational conditions, and treatment priorities.

How can residents help?

Residents can help reduce mosquito production by emptying standing water from containers, buckets, plant saucers, toys, and other items around their homes. Use a US EPA-registered insect repellent according to its label when spending time outdoors, during the day and at night.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for PCMCD treatment notifications to receive updates about mosquito control activities in their area.

For more information: Visit https://www.pascomosquito.org/treatment-notifications or call 727-376-4568.

PCMCD appreciates the community’s cooperation as we bring additional resources to bear against mosquito-borne disease threats in Pasco County.