Mosquito Control Alert, Local Malaria in Florida

Posted by Mosquito Squad

December 20, 2023

The DOH-Sarasota, DOH-Manatee, and the CDC are issuing health advisories following the confirmation of four locally acquired malaria cases in Sarasota County, FL.

The United States clocks around 2,000 cases of travel-related malaria each year. Over the past few days, malaria has been a breaking news story, with four cases in southwest Florida and one confirmed case in Texas – all five locally contracted, with no known connections between the cases in the two states. Health officials are issuing advisories, which include pertinent information about preventing mosquito bites as they investigate these cases, and offering healthcare professionals advise on diagnosing this potentially fatal mosquito borne illness.

Mosquito Control and Protection Advice

There are many ways we can remain vigilant during this uncertain period and beyond, as malaria is not usually a concern for local residents. For now, officials say that the likelihood of widespread locally contracted cases of malaria are not a huge concern. However, it can become one if we do not take their advice to protect ourselves and loved ones from mosquito bites.

Personal Mosquito Protection Methods

When you are spending time outdoors, it is advisable to wear long sleeves and pants. In addition, you can check your property for any potential mosquito breeding hot spots. These are places that harbor standing water. Pet bowls, bird baths, small puddles by pools or water spigots, and even plant saucers can become mosquito breeding grounds. Residents are advised to eliminate these areas of standing water.

For pet bowls and bird baths, you can add agitators or be sure to dump and replenish the water at least every two or three days. You can wear a concentration of at least 10% DEET when you are away from home – at the beach, walking your pets, or running in the morning or evening.

See Mosquito Squad’s 7 T’s of mosquito control for more information!

Mosquito Control Recommendation

To protect your home and property from the threat of potentially dangerous mosquitoes, Mosquito Squad’s EPA-registered barrier protection spray will help immensely. This mosquito control spray works for about 21 days at a time through an encapsulated, time-released formula, which also knocks down mosquitoes on contact. You can expect up to a 90% reduction in the mosquitoes you typically see around your home.

Our natural mosquito control yard spray is a little less effective, but a wise choice for anyone who wishes to protect their property with a formula made of natural ingredients. Mosquito Squad’s natural mosquito control will remain effective for up to 14 days, repelling up to 85% of the mosquitoes around your home.

One-Time Mosquito Control Recommendation

If you are hosting a private or public outdoor event, it is advisable to protect your attendees with our special event mosquito control spray. Mosquito Squad will arrive one or two days before your event, breaking up potential mosquito breeding habitats and spraying the property to get protection underway well ahead of the first guest’s arrival. Our mosquito control is perfect for restaurant patios, festival grounds, wedding spaces, parks, and other public venues.

The only wrong choice for mosquito control, is choosing not to deploy mosquito control.

If you are feeling ill after a mosquito bite, please seek immediate medical attention.

Also read: Why does Florida have so many mosquitoes?


Call (904) 844-0816 to learn more about, Mosquito Squad of Northeast Florida reliable mosquito control to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses.