Lakeland, FL – September 19, 2017 – While many people are still focused on restoring power and cleaning up the debris left behind by Hurricane Irma, experts say an increase in mosquitoes after the storm is an additional concern that needs attention.
“A hurricane leaves a lot of standing water behind it,” said Dean Saunders, owner of the Lakeland, Florida Mosquito Joe franchise and owner/broker of CBC Saunders Real Estate. “Within a few weeks we will see a significant increase in mosquitoes, so now is the time to get prepared and get ahead of it.”
Three of the four stages of a mosquito’s life cycle occur in water which is abundant after a hurricane. Small amounts of water in ditches, gutters, and debris create breeding grounds for the insects. Mosquitoes also lay eggs in dry places where they may survive for several months, increasing the likelihood of infestation. Once eggs are exposed to standing water the larvae hatch, maturing into adult mosquitoes within five to fourteen days.
According to Jeff Spence, who oversees the Polk County Mosquito Control Program, there are many things that residents can and should be doing to help control mosquitoes after the storm. “Because the county is so large, we can’t treat everywhere,” said Spence. “Some parts of the county had more than eleven inches of rain and within seven to ten days after this event, we expect to see a significant increase in mosquitoes.”
Spence encourages property owners to check over their properties and remove any standing water they see. “Zika is carried by an urban mosquito,” he said. “It is usually found in urban backyards that may have a bird bath, dog bowl, or rain gutter with standing water, not around large bodies of water.” In addition to checking their own property to clean up standing water, Spence says that residents can also hire a private contractor to provide mosquito control services.
“We are offering reduced prices to customers affected by the storm,” said Saunders. “We can help property owners with a strategy to be prepared throughout the hurricane season.”
About Mosquito Joe
Mosquito Joe of Polk County, FL offers unique solutions to control mosquitoes, fleas and ticks. Certified technicians visit properties to provide a barrier spray, delivering effective mosquito control treatments. In addition to Hurricane preparation and recovery, Mosquito Joe also offers services for special outdoor events.