The Okaloosa County Mosquito Control Program has released its schedule for adult mosquito population control treatment by broadcast spraying pesticide in 2024.
- The treatments will be conducted in the evening, starting one hour before sunset, and will be justified based on mosquito population surveillance data and other methods, as required by state law.
The schedule outlines specific areas to be treated on each day of the week, with maps provided for reference.
- North Okaloosa County will be treated on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, covering various regions including Crestview, Baker, Holt, and Laurel Hill.
- South Okaloosa County will also be treated on the same days, targeting areas such as Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, and Valparaiso.
In addition to the spraying schedule, Okaloosa County Mosquito Control and the Florida Department of Health urge the public to follow the “SWAT” personal mosquito protection protocol. This includes staying inside with screened doors and windows during peak mosquito biting times, wearing protective clothing, applying DEET-containing repellent, and turning over or eliminating standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs.
The county also recommends preventive measures such as draining standing water from various containers, maintaining swimming pools, and covering skin with clothing or repellent. Residents are advised to cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of their homes.
Okaloosa County Mosquito Control operates an aggressive larviciding program, treating more than 1,500 sites regularly and using gambusia fish in over 750 ponds and standing water areas to control mosquito larvae.
- The county also reminds residents to vaccinate outdoor animals against mosquito-borne diseases, particularly horses against Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and dogs against heartworms.
For more information, residents can contact the Mosquito Control Division of Public Works at 651-7394 or 689-5772, or visit the county’s website at http://www.myokaloosa.com/pw/environmental/mosquito-control for maps of the spray schedule.
