Helpful Hints for Dealing with Mosquitos (by Wakulla County Health Dept.)
Spring has sprung and so have the mosquitoes. The mosquito population has exploded all over our county, seemingly overnight. The Wakulla County Health Department has begun spraying for mosquitoes; however, due to the larger-than-usual population it may take a few days for this to knock down the population and bring about a noticeable improvement. While we have begun spraying, there are certain limitations on when we can spray. These limitations on spraying are such that it is not effective if we spray when it is raining or if the wind speed is over 10 mph. Further, we are limited to spraying only when the mosquitoes are most active, morning and early evening. We recognize the impact mosquitoes have on your life; therefore, the Wakulla County Health Department has brought on additional employees to help handle the requests.
The Wakulla County Health Department wants you to know that West Nile Virus is still in our area and that you should take precautions to protect your family. The two best approaches to prevent this illness or other diseases that can be transmitted from mosquitoes are to 1st reduce the occurrence of mosquitoes from the area where you and your children play. The 2nd is to protect yourself when you are out in these areas.
The reduction of mosquitoes can be done in many simple ways. First, empty any outdoor containers that hold water and set them to rest so that they won’t collect water in the future. Next, if you see standing water around your home in ditches or swells call our office to request that larvicide be put out to eliminate the mosquito larva. This larvicide is non-toxic to humans and pets. Finally, if you notice an appreciable amount of mosquitoes around your neighborhood call our office to request for a mosquito spraying at (850) 926-2558 ext. 159. The application of larvicide and spraying for adult mosquitoes are free services provided by the Wakulla County Health Department.
To protect yourself you need to try to reduce the opportunity that mosquitoes have to bite you or your family. The mosquitoes in our area are most active in the early morning and early evening. During these times apply a mosquito repellent that contains DEET. You can pick this up at most of the stores in our county. Next try to reduce the amount of bare skin you have exposed for the mosquitoes to bite. Wear long sleeved shirts and pants if possible.
By following these simple steps you can greatly reduce the chances that you or your family will be bitten and contract one of the diseases that mosquitoes can transmit to you. It will also make your time you spend outside much more comfortable.
To request Larvaciding or Spraying call our office at (850) 926-2558 ext. 159 or go to our website at www.wakullahealth.org to make a request anytime. When calling, please leave your name and the physical address of the residence you are calling about. Also, please leave your phone number in case we need to contact you.
This information originally published on April 23, 2008.
Local News 
Spring has sprung and so have the mosquitoes. The mosquito population has exploded all over our county, seemingly overnight. The Wakulla County Health Department has begun spraying for mosquitoes; however, due to the larger-than-usual population it may take a few days for this to knock down the population and bring about a noticeable improvement. While we have begun spraying, there are certain limitations on when we can spray. These limitations on spraying are such that it is not effective if we spray when it is raining or if the wind speed is over 10 mph. Further, we are limited to spraying only when the mosquitoes are most active, morning and early evening. We recognize the impact mosquitoes have on your life; therefore, the Wakulla County Health Department has brought on additional employees to help handle the requests.
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