Mosquito Control

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Overview

Gainesville Mosquito Control provides service to neighbors living within the city limits of Gainesville. Mosquito Control investigates neighbor inquiries within 24 hours. 

Gainesville Mosquito Control uses an Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) philosophy when controlling the mosquito population in Gainesville. IMM combines a variety of mechanical, biological and chemical control techniques to provide a more effective approach for the control of mosquitoes.

Techniques include:
  • Eliminating standing pools of water
  • Use of mosquito fish and bacteria to control larval populations
  • Use of larvicides and adulticides to control both larval and adult populations

Why Do We Need Mosquito Control Programs?

Without control programs the mosquito population would flourish and cause potential health and comfort problems. From a health standpoint, mosquitoes are known carriers of encephalitis, malaria, and yellow fever and dengue viruses. Mosquito-borne diseases cause more than one million deaths each year around the world. Mosquito bites can also infect a pet with deadly canine heart-worm.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases

An out-of-control mosquito population can lead to an influx of preventable disease. Use the links below to learn more about the illnesses that mosquitos can carry.

 


Mosquito Prevention & Spraying

The most effective means of reducing mosquitoes around the home is to eliminate their breeding habitats. Nine out of ten complaints received by Mosquito Control are made by neighbors who are unknowingly raising their own mosquitoes. 

Spraying

Spraying is a last resort. Mosquitoes can migrate up to 30 miles, which overrides local larval control efforts. When source elimination or larval control measures are inadequate, or in the case of imminent disease, the need for application of adult mosquitocides by certified applicators may be necessary, even in populated areas. The extremely small droplet aerosols are designed to have an impact primarily on adult mosquitoes that are on the wing at the time of the application. Degradation of these small droplets is rapid, leaving little or no residue in the target area at ground level.

Spraying usually take place between 2 to 3 hours after sunset. Check the Spray Schedule Map or call Mosquito Control at 352-393-8110 for more information on our spraying schedule.

Qualifications for Spraying
  • Light traps must contain 25 or more adult mosquitoes per night / per trap
  • Record of neighbor complaints
  • Mosquito landing rate counts must exceed 5 mosquitoes landing per minute

These guidelines are set forth by the Florida Legislature in Florida Statute Chapter 388 and the Florida Administrative Code 5E-13. 

 

Stormwater Vegetation Herbicide Program

Technicians use herbicides in conjunction with mechanical techniques to reduce mosquito breeding sites by controlling vegetation growth. This increases drainage and removes vegetation that promotes mosquito breeding. All products used are labeled for Aquatic sites and EPA registered. Marker dyes, surfactants, and anti-drift agents are mixed with herbicide to increase application to target site and plants.

If you have concerns about an overgrowth that is causing stagnated water, such as in a drainage ditch or stormwater retention area, contact Mosquito Control to request herbicide spraying. 352-393-8287

 


Spray Map & Schedule

Check the schedule with the interactive map below to see the different spray zones in Gainesville. Gainesville city limits is divided into 16 sectors.

Seasonal Spray Schedule

Mosquito Control sprays seasonally, if there is no current schedule please check back again for updates. You can also call 352-393-8110 for spray schedule information. 

Wednesday, Aug. 14  Thursday, Aug. 15 
 Zones 13, 15 and 1  Zones 2, 6 and 5

 

Note: You may need to zoom in for the zones to populate. Full Site


Courtesy List

If, for any reason, a resident does not want their domicile to be sprayed, they may request to be added to the Mosquito Spray Courtesy List. Those added to the list will have a buffer radius of 300 feet around their address where the technicians will not spray.

Please submit the request through our contact form and indicate that you would like to be added to the courtesy list under Mosquito Services.


Doing Your Part

You can also help to control the mosquito population in your community. Don't wait until the population gets too large before taking our recommended measures to ensure your own yard is not an inviting breeding space for mosquitoes.

Look for possible breeding sites in your yard and neighborhood. Mosquitos lay near pools of standing water, so eliminating stagnate water is key to controlling the population. Advise your local officials of potential problems. If adult mosquitoes become a nuisance, immediately notify Gainesville Mosquito Control. 

Check Your Yard
  • Empty, remove or cover any open containers
  • Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets
  • Cover or turn small boats upside-down
  • Change water in wading pools, bird baths, pet dishes and vases twice a week
  • Clean clogged roof gutters of all debris
  • Drain flat roofs and tarps
  • Fill holes in trees with sand or mortar
  • Fix or replace screen on doors and windows
  • Stock ornamental ponds with mosquito larvae eating fish
 
Other Methods of Mosquito Control

Recommended

  • Bti and Bs (bacillus) products 
  • Repellents that include DEET
  • Certain barrier type adult sprays
  • Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki)  
  • Handheld or backpack portable foggers

Not Recommended

  • Bug zappers
  • Ultrasonic (acoustic) repellent devices
  • Electronic repellent devices
  • Plants
  • Pic coils
  • Citronella candles or torches