With the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses looming large as summer sets in, Broward County has launched nighttime larvicide spraying in several southern cities to curb the population of disease-carrying mosquitoes.
The effort comes as public health officials across the Americas and the Caribbean warn of rising cases of viruses like dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever, which are spread by infected mosquitoes.
Earlier this month, Broward’s Mosquito Control Section conducted truck-mounted larvicide spraying in Hollywood, Miramar, Pembroke Park, and West Park. The operation specifically targeted Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, two mosquito species responsible for transmitting several serious diseases that continue to affect parts of Florida and the Caribbean.
The diseases: What you need to know
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Dengue: Often called “breakbone fever,” dengue causes high fever, rash, muscle and joint pain, and in severe cases, internal bleeding and death. It’s common in tropical regions, with cyclical outbreaks in the Caribbean and parts of South Florida.
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Chikungunya: This virus causes fever and severe joint pain that can last for weeks or even months. While rarely fatal, chikungunya can be debilitating and is a growing concern in warm, wet climates.
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Yellow Fever: Though largely controlled through vaccination, yellow fever remains a risk in certain regions. Symptoms include fever, jaundice, and bleeding; severe cases can be fatal.
Many of these diseases have no specific treatment—only supportive care—making prevention the best line of defense.
Mosquito breeding grounds and how to fight them
The mosquitoes that carry these viruses lay their eggs in even the smallest amounts of stagnant water, often found in flower pots, pet bowls, buckets, and decorative plants like bromeliads.
Broward’s spraying campaign uses VectoBac WDG, a larvicide containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), a naturally occurring bacterium that kills mosquito larvae but is safe for humans, pets, aquatic life, and pollinators.
But spraying alone isn’t enough. Public health officials urge residents to take the following precautions:
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Dump and drain any standing water in yards or patios
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Use an EPA-approved insect repellent when outdoors
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Install or repair screens on doors and windows
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Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk
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Cover water storage containers and clean them regularly
These same mosquito-borne diseases are not just a concern for South Florida—they are a persistent threat in many Caribbean nations, especially during the rainy season. Countries like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Dominican Republic continue to battle periodic outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya.
With frequent travel between Florida and the Caribbean, cross-border public health cooperation is key. Broward’s Mosquito Control program continues to work with the Florida Department of Health and local code enforcement teams to reduce mosquito habitats and track disease trends.
Residents experiencing mosquito issues can request assistance by calling 311 or filling out the online Mosquito Service Request Form.
