Is Florida's Dengue Outbreak a Concern for Northeast Florida?

Posted by Mosquito Squad Plus

October 27, 2026

Is Florida's Dengue Outbreak a Concern for Northeast Florida?

The 2026 dengue outbreak in Florida has made national headlines. Should Jacksonville residents be concerned?

It’s certainly a good idea to gain an understanding about how dengue spreads – and what might make your backyard attractive to the mosquitoes that transmit it. Northeast Florida has not been at the center of the 2026 outbreak. However, the mosquitoes that spread dengue are worth a look.

Which Mosquitoes in Florida Can Transmit Dengue?

Two mosquito species responsible for spreading dengue are found here in Florida; Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. If those names sound a bit too science-y, you might know them better by their street names, yellow fever mosquito and Asian tiger mosquito.

Unlike some mosquitoes, which are most active around dusk and dawn, these little buggers frequently bite during daylight hours.

What’s more, these mosquitoes are pretty comfortable living around humans. So, rather than relying on only marshes, ponds, and other natural water sources, the Aedes mosquitoes are happy to reproduce in surprisingly small water sources. This makes a neglected flowerpot saucer or forgotten pet dish a potential backyard mosquito nursery.

Why is Dengue Making News in Florida?

The Associated Press recently reported that Florida was experiencing its largest locally acquired dengue outbreak in decades. Dengue, a viral illness transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, can include symptoms like fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, and a rash. Many people recover, but some dengue infections can become severe.

It’s important to note that the presence of dengue-capable mosquitoes does not equate to dengue circulating around your neighborhood – or your backyard. However, the outbreak demonstrates the importance of mosquito surveillance and prevention throughout Florida.

ALSO SEE: Dengue in Florida, 2025 Update

How Can Northeast Florida Residents Reduce Mosquito Breeding?

Whether you live in Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, or any other Northeast Florida community, reducing and limiting standing water remain essential measures to reduce mosquito breeding in your backyard. Pay special attention to seemingly benign flowerpots, saucers, children’s toys, buckets and watering cans, unused containers, clogged gutters and areas with poor drainage, and birdbaths that aren’t regularly emptied.

And speaking of emptying water-holding containers, do that at least weekly. Pour out the old water, scrub the container, and refill on regular rotation to help interrupt mosquito development. While eliminating or at least limiting standing water sources in your backyard is a start, professional mosquito control by Mosquito Squad Plus of Northeast Florida will expand upon those efforts by targeting mosquito resting areas around your yard.

Dengue headlines in Florida are highly useful reminders that mosquito prevention isn’t just about making your backyard more comfortable. It’s also about reducing exposure to biting mosquitoes – including Aedes mosquitoes, which could be infected with dengue.

Where Do We Offer Mosquito Control Services?

Be more comfortable and have more time enjoying your backyard with fewer pests and less worry about the potential for infestations with a Florida pest control package by Mosquito Squad Plus.

We’re pleased to offer year-round outdoor pest control service in these areas and beyond:

Search for mosquito control near me and choose Mosquito Squad Plus.

Mosquito Squad Plus of Northeast Florida is a trusted tick control and mosquito control company, serving Jacksonville Beach, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and surrounding areas.

At Mosquito Squad Plus of Northeast Florida, our goal is your complete satisfaction! That’s why we offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

Put our mosquito control services to work for all your needs. Call Mosquito Squad Plus of Northeast Florida at (904) 844-0816 to learn more about our formulas and outdoor pest control plans.