OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — With recent heavy rainfall creating favorable conditions for mosquito breeding and additional rain expected across Central Florida, Osceola County is preparing to conduct aerial mosquito spraying beginning Thursday, October 22, in an effort to reduce mosquito populations and help protect residents from mosquito-borne illnesses.
The Osceola County Board of County Commissioners has authorized the county’s Mosquito Control division to secure a contractor to conduct aerial treatments across the county. The decision comes as the Florida Department of Health reports an increase in locally transmitted mosquito-borne illnesses in the Central Florida region.
Aerial spraying is scheduled to take place over four nights beginning October 22, between 8 p.m. and dawn the following morning. Aircraft will fly at low altitudes over designated treatment areas, with operations dependent on favorable weather conditions.
If rain or high winds prevent spraying, treatments will be rescheduled for alternate dates later in October during the same overnight hours.
“With increased mosquito activity following Florida’s rainy season and an uptick in mosquito-borne illnesses reported statewide, we are taking proactive steps to reduce mosquito populations and help protect our community,” said Osceola County Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington, who represents District 3. “We also encourage residents to do their part by eliminating standing water around their homes and taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites.”
According to county officials, aerial spraying is an important tool in controlling mosquito populations, particularly following periods of heavy rainfall when standing water provides additional breeding opportunities.
The overnight treatments will follow U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommendations and are scheduled during nighttime hours to help minimize potential impacts on daytime pollinators. Beekeepers and hobbyists with concerns are encouraged to contact Osceola County Mosquito Control for additional information.
In addition to aerial spraying, the county will continue its regular mosquito surveillance and ground-based control operations, including biological larvicide treatments and evening spraying when conditions permit. Mosquito treatments cannot be conducted during rainfall or when winds exceed 10 mph.
Residents Encouraged to Help Prevent Mosquito Breeding
County officials are reminding residents that preventing mosquito breeding around homes and neighborhoods remains an important part of reducing mosquito populations and the potential spread of illness.
Residents are encouraged to regularly empty containers that collect rainwater, clean gutters, remove yard debris and flush birdbaths at least every three days. Even small amounts of standing water can provide breeding opportunities for mosquitoes.
To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, residents should consider wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, particularly around dusk and dawn, and using EPA-registered insect repellents containing ingredients such as DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, following product instructions and age recommendations.
While aerial spraying is expected to help reduce mosquito populations, county officials emphasize that continued prevention efforts by residents remain essential, especially during Florida’s rainy season.
Residents can review the county’s aerial spraying treatment map to see areas scheduled for treatment.
For mosquito-related concerns or to request an inspection, residents can contact Osceola County Mosquito Control at 407-742-0505. Callers should provide their name, telephone number and address so county staff can evaluate conditions and determine appropriate treatment options.
