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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Mosquito Surveillance

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Throughout the year, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) works closely with Polk County Mosquito Control to monitor the presence of mosquitoes that can spread diseases.

DOH-Polk's Environmental Public Health Division and Disease Control Program monitors illnesses that are transmitted by mosquitoes. These include illnesses such as West Nile virus (WNV), Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), St. Louis encephalitis (SLE), dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika, Oropouche, and malaria.

The Polk County Mosquito Control and DOH-Polk advise the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts.

These efforts should include “Drain and Cover”:

  • Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
  • Cover your skin with clothing and use mosquito repellent.
  • Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out.

Tips for eliminating mosquito breeding sites:

  • Drain water from 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 or twice 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. Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
  • Use Repellent. Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, and IR3535 are effective. Use netting to protect children younger than 2 months.

How to Prevent Mosquito and Tick Bites | Vector-Borne Diseases | CDC

For more information:

When & where?

Environmental Public Health Office

Address: 2090 E. Clower St., Bartow, FL 33830

Environmental Health Phone: 863-519-8330 

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday