Mosquito-borne diseases

Monroe County Emergency Management partners with the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County and the Florida Keys Mosquito Control when there is an outbreak of mosquito-borne illnesses in the Florida Keys.

Stop mosquitoes from living and multiplying around your home or business. Protect yourself from mosquito bites and the diseases they carry.

Drain Standing Water

DRAIN: Garbage cans, house gutters, 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 aren't being used.

EMPTY AND CLEAN: Birdbaths and pets’ water bowls at least once a week.

PROTECT: Boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.

MAINTAIN: The water balance (pool chemistry) of swimming pools. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

Cover Your Skin When Outside

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 DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months.

COVER DOORS AND WINDOWS WITH SCREENS. Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.