DOH-Collier reminds everyone to help prevent mosquito breeding 

Naples, Fla. — Due to recent heavy rain in Southwest Florida, the Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) reminds everyone to do their part in preventing mosquito breeding. Remember it only takes a bottle cap of water for some mosquitoes to breed and multiply.

Practice these tips to help eliminate mosquito breeding sites:

• Clean out troughs and gutters.
• Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds to drain.
• Turn over or remove empty plastic pots.
• Pick up all beverage containers and cups.
• Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water.
• Replace water in birdbaths and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week.
• Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.

To protect against mosquitoes, DOH-Collier urges the public to “Drain and Cover”:

DRAIN standing water:

• Drain water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances, and other items that are not being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

COVER your skin with:

• CLOTHING - If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves.
• REPELLENT - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with 10-30 percent DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.
• NETTING - Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

COVER doors and windows with screens

• Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

The Department has created a public service announcement on the “Drain and Cover” method, which you can view here.

Click here for mosquito-borne disease educational materials.

For more information on mosquito-borne illness prevention, visit our website.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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