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Mosquito Surveillance

Contact Us

What Services Are Available?

Throughout the year, the Health Department works closely with Polk County Mosquito Control to monitor the presence of mosquitoes that can spread diseases.

The Health Department’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, and malaria.

The Polk County Health Department and Polk County Mosquito Control 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.

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.

CDC guidelines: Protect Yourself and Your Family from Mosquito Bites (opens in new window)

For more information:

Florida Department of Health:  Mosquito-Borne and Other Insect-Borne Diseases

Polk County Mosquito Control:  https://www.polk-county.net/natural-resources/mosquito-control (opens in new window)

When & Where?

Environmental Public Health Office

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

Environmental Health Phone: (863) 519-8330
Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday