Mosquito season may be coming sooner than expected.
With the presence of high temperatures in the winter and the emergence of an early spring, mosquitoes will likely breed prematurely, said Anthony Dennis, the environmental health director for the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.
The county currently monitors more than 30 species of mosquitoes, he said. With less time to prepare residents, the county recently shared tips to avoid attracting mosquitoes.
As a first line of defense, residents should cover all sources of open water around their homes, according to the release.
“It only takes a cap full of water to breed a large number of mosquitoes,” Dennis said.
The release also urged residents to cover windows and porches with screens and to use insect repellent approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Dennis said Alachua County makes regular efforts to combat the mosquito population.
“The county spends significant funds on surveillance systems for mosquito activity,” Dennis said.
The surveillance system, he said, will soon include the use of sentinel chickens, which should help officials track mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry.
Jackson Sears, an 18-year-old UF sports management freshman, said mosquitoes affect one of his favorite hobbies.
“I like to golf during the summer, which keeps me outside a lot,” he said.
Sears said mosquitoes have not posed a large problem to him in the past.
“I’m glad the city is on top of it,” he said.
