Fighting for Mosquito Control in the Tampa Bay Area
Mosquito Control Starts in Our Backyards
Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance due to their biting behavior but also pose significant public health risks as vectors for various diseases. Effective mosquito control has been a priority of public health authorities in Florida for decades, as our state has seen its population grow rapidly since the 1960s. The climate in the Tampa Bay area and in southern Florida is characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity. This is the ideal environment for mosquitoes to thrive, with rapid breeding and population growth.A-NIKS participates in the fight for mosquito control with the A-NIKS™ Mosquito Barrier. Our system is an effective way to reduce hyperlocal mosquito populations without the need for a fully custom-engineered misting system. The Mosquito Barrier is based on a proprietary insecticide sprayed by skilled technicians. Our insecticide is micro-encapsulated, and adheres to grass, shrubs, and outdoor plants. It remains inert until an insect lands on it, triggering the capsule to break apart and become active.
This approach disrupts the mosquito life cycle and addresses potential breeding grounds. Homeowners typically see up to a 90% reduction in mosquitoes after the first application, with continued improvement over time. Our spraying service offers long-lasting protection and it is safer for pets and humans than traditional (synthetic) mosquito fogging services. The botanical blend we use as insecticide is also much less dangerous than synthetic compounds for friendly insects such as bees and butterflies.
For more information on our Mosquito Barrier system and service, please call us at 877-966-2483.
1. Understanding Mosquitoes in Florida
In Florida, the species particularly monitored by the government include Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Aedes aegypti, also known as the “yellow fever mosquito”, is a primary vector for several diseases, including dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. This species is well-adapted to living near human populations and it breeds in man-made containers that hold water. Aedes albopictus, or the “Asian tiger mosquito”, is considered a secondary vector but is one of the most invasive mosquito species globally. It is extremely good at adapting to new environments and is capable of transmitting multiple viruses.A study titled “FIELD COMPARISON OF CARBON DIOXIDE SOURCE WITH BIOGENTS SENTINEL-2 AND PRO TRAPS FOR ADULT AEDES MOSQUITO SURVEILLANCE” conducted in north central Florida in 2022, found that both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus accounted for about 20% of the mosquito collections in the area. This observation highlights the footprint of these species in the state (Source: FIELD COMPARISON OF CARBON DIOXIDE SOURCE WITH BIOGENTS SENTINEL-2 AND PRO TRAPS FOR ADULT AEDES MOSQUITO SURVEILLANCE).
2. Mosquito-Borne Diseases and Public Health Implications
Mosquito-borne diseases represent a significant public health threat. Several viruses, including West Nile, Saint Louis encephalitis virus, and Eastern equine encephalitis virus are endemic in our region. These diseases typically manifest during the summer months, with the potential for reemergence each year.A study titled “Culex erraticus (Diptera: Culicidae) utilizes gopher tortoise burrows for overwintering in North Central Florida” highlights the role of certain mosquito species in perpetuating arboviral activity in Florida. The study found that Culex erraticus, a mosquito species, was the most abundant in gopher tortoise burrows and may play a role in maintaining viruses like West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis virus during winter months (Source: Culex erraticus (Diptera: Culicidae) utilizes gopher tortoise burrows for overwintering in North Central Florida).
In view of the nature of the threat, public health authorities have implemented surveillance and monitoring programs that involve tracking the prevalence of diseases and the mosquito species responsible for their transmission, with a view to understanding the behavior of these mosquitoes and developing effective control strategies.
3. Mosquito Prevention and Elimination Tactics
Prevention and elimination are the two pillars of the government’s strategy to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks. Basic tips and methods include eliminating standing water, using mosquito repellents (organic and synthetic), and maintaining proper yard hygiene. These measures target the breeding and resting sites of mosquitoes. The need to control mosquito populations has spurred fundamental research efforts everywhere in the world, not just in Florida.Among the more recent studies, researchers have explored the synthesis of nanosilver and carbamat to control Anopheles mosquitoes in malaria-endemic areas. One of these studies found that nanosilver is an effective herbal insecticide when used in the right dose and method. The lethal concentration (LC50) of nanosilver was determined to be 5965 mg/l, and it was projected to have a one-year efficacy, with 62% effectiveness remaining after a year (Source: The synthesis of nanosilver and carbamat to control of Anopheles in malaria endemic areas).
Another study evaluated the long-lasting residual efficacy of Actellic® 300CS and Icon® 10CS against Anopheles stephensi, a malaria vector. The study found that both formulations showed consistent performance in controlling mosquitoes on various surfaces found in human dwellings. The mortality rates of mosquitoes exposed to these insecticides were consistently above 80% on all substrates throughout a 300-day period after spraying (Source: Long-lasting Residual Efficacy of Actellic® 300CS and Icon® 10CS on Different Surfaces against Anopheles stephensi, an Invasive Malaria Vector).
This research gradually finds its application on local mosquito populations. Mosquitoes that are malaria vectors also act as vectors of other types of viruses. Beyond these efforts, prevention is at the center of campaigns deployed by our public health authorities. A-NIKS and other pest control companies are important co-actors in this fight. Pest control services provide an efficient local protection through a combination of insecticides, biological control methods, and environmental management. Professionals in the business have the expertise and systems necessary to effectively target and reduce mosquito populations in specific areas.
[Read more about the fight for mosquito control population in our article: 50 Questions & Answers About Mosquito Control.]
4. The Role of Chemicals in Mosquito Control
Insecticides are the primary direct weapon of mosquito control, especially in areas with high mosquito populations. Though effective, insecticides present at least two issues: are they safe for humans in residential areas, and how fast does the mosquito population adapt its genetics to resist their effects. Recent studies have explored innovative approaches to insecticide development and application.We already alluded to research on the synthesis of nanosilver and carbamat. Another study focused on the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Acorus calamus leaves and tested their effectiveness against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito larvae. The results showed significant larvicidal activity, with 100% mortality at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL. The lethal concentration (LC50) values were 109.38 µg/mL for Aedes aegypti and 106.80 µg/mL for Culex quinquefasciatus (Source: Facile synthesis and surface characterization of silver metal nanoparticles using Acorus calamus and its applications).
The use of synthetic insecticides in residential areas requires careful consideration for safety and environmental impact. At A-Niks, we prioritize the use of organic insecticides. We have create a botanical blend that is very effective at killing target insects and preserving friendly ones like bees and butterflies.
5. Utilizing Biological Control in Mosquito Management
Biological control methods offer an alternative approach to insecticides when managing mosquito populations. They consist in introducing natural predators or bacteria that specifically target mosquitoes, reducing mosquito populations without the typical environmental cost of synthetic insecticides. One innovative biological control method involves the use of Wolbachia, a group of intracellular bacteria.A study titled “Distribution of Wolbachia strains in Stegomyia albopicta, Vector of dengue and chikungunya in Kerala, India” focused on identifying Wolbachia strains in field-collected St. albopicta mosquitoes. The study found that 95% of the mosquitoes had A(wAlbA) and B(wAlbB) strains of Wolbachia, with 5% having a single wAlbA or wAlbB strain. This research highlights the potential of using Wolbachia as a biological tool to control mosquito vectors (Source: Distribution of Wolbachia strains in Stegomyia albopicta, Vector of dengue and chikungunya in Kerala, India).
Another approach to biological control is targeting sex determination to suppress mosquito populations. A study titled “Author Response: Targeting sex determination to suppress mosquito populations” discusses a next-generation CRISPR-based precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT) for Aedes aegypti. This method disrupts genes essential for sex determination and fertility, producing predominantly males that can effectively compete with, suppress, and eliminate caged populations. This species-specific platform has the potential for field deployment to control wild populations of disease vectors (Source: Author Response: Targeting sex determination to suppress mosquito populations).
Though biological control methods have their benefits, they also have limitations, such as the need for continuous application and potential challenges in achieving widespread coverage.
6. Physical Barriers, an Effective Day-to-Day Defense
Physical barriers, such as netting, screens, and other mechanisms, are a component of mosquito prevention strategies. These barriers provide an effective way to prevent mosquitoes from entering indoor and outdoor living spaces. There is indeed a general consensus in public health and entomology that physical barriers are highly effective.For instance, mosquito nets, especially those treated with insecticides, are widely recognized for their role in preventing mosquito bites and reducing the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. In residential settings, window and door screens are a common and effective method to keep mosquitoes out. They allow for ventilation and light while preventing mosquitoes from entering homes.
In areas of high mosquito activity, the use of bed nets significantly reduces the risk of mosquito bites during sleep. Physical barriers are also beneficial in outdoor settings. Retractable screens and patio enclosures provide a mosquito-free environment, especially during peak mosquito activity times (dusk and dawn). Check out the lines of retractable screens offered by our parent company, Lyfe Outdoor Comfort Solutions. These screens can be installed on windows, French doors, and patio openings.
At A-Niks, we recommend our clients to combine physical barriers with our mosquito barrier botanical blend to create a comprehensive mosquito control strategy. Even better, we recommend our clients to install a mosquito misting system in their backyard, especially when their property reaches a certain size that makes spraying a time-consuming and costlier option.
7. Mosquito Reduction Through Environmental Management
Playing a role in reducing mosquito populations, environmental management consists in a series of techniques for managing and modifying outdoor areas with a view to discouraging mosquito breeding.A study titled “An engineered ecosystem for environmentally sustainable wastewater treatment for remote tourist resorts in tropical/sub-tropical regions” discusses the use of engineered ecosystems for wastewater treatment, which can indirectly impact mosquito breeding. The study highlights the importance of environmentally sustainable on-site wastewater treatment, which minimizes the creation of stagnant water bodies that serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The engineered ecosystem was designed to be low maintenance and uses native biota and sunlight, making it an environmentally friendly solution (Source: An engineered ecosystem for environmentally sustainable wastewater treatment for remote tourist resorts in tropical/sub-tropical regions).
Another aspect of environmental management is the control of water bodies and containers that can accumulate water. Regular cleaning and maintenance of these areas prevent mosquito breeding. This includes draining and treating standing water in ponds, gutters, and other areas where water can collect. Community involvement is also part of environmental management. The state of Florida has been conducting successful awareness campaigns for a very long time, educating communities about the importance of maintaining clean and dry outdoor spaces reduce mosquito breeding sites.
8. Personal Protection Strategies
Speaking about preventing mosquito bites and reducing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, who would ignore the role of personal protection strategies: using of repellents, sporting protective clothing, and staying indoors during mosquitoes’ peak hours of activity.A study titled “Repellent effect of local indigenous knowledge-based repellent in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, against Aedes aegypti mosquito,” assessed the effectiveness of locally-made repellents. The study found that certain indigenous repellents were effective for more than 2 hours against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. This underscores the value of using simple plant-based repellents as a personal protection measure against mosquito bites (Source: Repellent effect of local indigenous knowledge-based repellent in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, against Aedes aegypti mosquito).
Wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants provides a physical barrier against mosquito bites. A very simple measure, that does not affect your lifestyle negatively. Lastly, planting certain flowers like marigold, citronella, lemongrass, rosemary and some types of geraniums around entry points in your home, and around your pool deck or patio will also limit mosquito activity in areas where you like to relax in the evening.
9. Community-Based Mosquito Control Programs in Tampa
Community-based mosquito control programs often include a combination of surveillance, public education, and targeted control measures. They tend to involve a collaboration between local health departments, public agencies, and community members.Surveillance involves the monitoring of mosquito populations via sampling methods. Local health departments and agencies provide expertise, resources, and coordination. They typically conduct mosquito trapping and testing, and apply larvicides or adulticides in public areas. The data collected helps identifying high-risk areas and the types of mosquitoes found in these areas to determine the most effective control strategies.
Public education is a key aspect of community-based programs. Educating the public about the risks of mosquito-borne diseases and about ways to reduce mosquito breeding sites has contributed significantly to the effectiveness of these programs in Florida.
- Mosquito Control (Hillsborough County) | City of Tampa: This page provides contact information for mosquito control services in Tampa, Florida. URL: https://www.tampa.gov/service/mosquito-control-hillsborough-county
- Mosquito Control | Hillsborough County, FL: This resource details the Mosquito Management Program in Hillsborough County. It describes the daily efforts to manage the more than 40 species of mosquitoes in the county, including mosquito spraying and public health protection measures. URL: https://hcfl.gov/residents/property-owners-and-renters/mosquito-control
- Mosquito Control in a Community | CDC: This page from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discusses integrated mosquito management (IMM) in communities. IMM uses a combination of methods based on an understanding of mosquito biology and the mosquito life cycle. URL: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-control/community/index.html
- Prevention and Control: Community Engagement | CDC: This CDC page emphasizes the importance of community engagement in mosquito control. It includes information on personal protection behaviors and community-based Integrated Vector Management (IVM) programs. URL: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/guidelines/west-nile/prevention-control/community-engagement.html
10. Innovative Approaches to Mosquito Control
As private and academic research progresses, innovative approaches to mosquito control help combating the challenges posed the prevention of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks. Recent studies have highlighted several advanced strategies in this regards:- Climate Change and Vector-Borne Diseases: A study titled “Climate change and the rising incidence of vector-borne diseases globally” discusses the impact of climate change on the geographical expansion of mosquitoes. The study emphasizes the need for innovative control measures as traditional methods face challenges like insecticide resistance and environmental harm. The changing climate conditions are leading to the spread of mosquito-borne diseases to previously low-risk areas, necessitating new approaches to mosquito control (Source: Climate change and the rising incidence of vector-borne diseases globally).
- Nanotechnology-based Drug Delivery for Malaria: Another study, “Current Trends in Nanotechnology-based Drug Delivery Systems for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Malaria,” reviews the use of nanotechnology in malaria control. This approach involves the use of nano-sized carriers to minimize side effects and improve bioavailability of antimalarial drugs. The study focuses on hybrid drugs and nanocarriers as next-generation antimalarial approaches, highlighting the potential of nanotechnology in both vector and patient management (Source: Current Trends in Nanotechnology-based Drug Delivery Systems for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Malaria). There is a branch of application of this research to dengue, Zika and chikungunya, as the transmission vectors overlap.
- Synthetic Biology for Mosquito Control: The study “Advances and challenges in synthetic biology for mosquito control” outlines the use of synthetic biology in developing new defenses against mosquito-borne diseases. This includes gene editing techniques to bolster mosquito control efforts. The review discusses current strategies and future goals in using synthetic biology to combat diseases like West Nile, dengue, Zika, and malaria (Source: Advances and challenges in synthetic biology for mosquito control).
The fight for mosquito control starts in your backyards
Ultimately, mosquito control is everyone’s fight, not just that of public health authorities. When we take elementary measures such as emptying containers with still water, we make a contributing step towards disrupting the breeding ground of mosquitoes in the Tampa Bay area. When we spray our backyards, we take another effective step towards reducing their population.A-NIKS has been on the forefront of this fight for many years, both through spraying services and through the installation of custom-engineered mosquito misting systems. We have also invested in the research and development of a pet- and human-friendlier natural insecticide, based on plants known to repel mosquitoes. Our intent is to reduce the volume of synthetic insecticides sprayed over the Tampa Bay area, so our gardens and backyards remain more respectful of friendly insects such as bees.
The combination of using biologically responsible insecticides, doing regular yard clean-ups, and planting well-known insect repellent flowers and bushes around our homes pays off and contributes to the more general measures taken by public health authorities. We can’t do everything, but we can do something. And doing something one household at a time keeps our region beautiful, relatively safe from dangerous disease outbreaks, and much more enjoyable for all.
To check our mosquito control spraying services and our natural Mosquito Barrier insecticide, call A-NIKS at 877-966-2483
