Florida's Brutal 'Itchy Season': Spike in Saltmarsh Mosquitoes Expected

Understanding the Mosquito Surge

• ⚠️ Florida is entering its "itchy season," with experts predicting a particularly brutal year for saltmarsh mosquitoes.
• ⛈️ Last year's storms and subsequent standing water provided ample opportunity for mosquito eggs to hatch, leading to a significant population increase.

Saltmarsh Mosquito Characteristics

• 🦟 These mosquitoes are aggressive biters, often found along the coast but capable of traveling up to 40 miles inland.
• 🚫 While not necessarily more dangerous in terms of disease than other types, their sheer numbers make them a nuisance and a threat to quality of life.
• ☀️ Unlike some mosquitoes, these do not rest and are equally likely to bite during the day or night.

Mosquito Control Challenges

• 🌊 The high tides and persistent standing water create vast, often difficult-to-access breeding grounds along coastal regions.
• 🚁 Mosquito control districts frequently rely on aerial application methods to treat these large, remote areas effectively.
• 📈 Controlling these mosquitoes can be challenging when they hatch in such large numbers across extensive acreage.

Health and Prevention

• 🐶 Heartworm can be transmitted to dogs and cats by these mosquitoes, so awareness is crucial for pet owners.
• 🛡️ Due to their aggressive biting, wearing protective clothing and using bug spray is more important than ever this season.