Broward County responds to surge in mosquito activity in western cities
Key Points(5)
- Broward County officials are responding to a sharp rise in mosquito activity, particularly affecting cities near the Everglades such as Parkland, Miramar, Weston, and Pembroke Pines.
- Crews from other parts of the county have been redirected to support efforts in the west.
- Officials say the surge is largely due to the proximity of these cities to the Everglades and the emergence of Psorophora mosquitoes, commonly known as "gallinippers." These large, aggressive mosquitoes hatch from dormant eggs activated by recent heavy rains.
- While they do not transmit diseases like Zika or dengue, they are strong fliers and aggressive biters, creating a major nuisance for outdoor activity.
- County officials are urging residents to be patient, noting that all requests for spraying will be fulfilled as quickly as possible.
Broward County officials are responding to a sharp rise in mosquito activity, particularly affecting cities near the Everglades such as Parkland, Miramar, Weston, and Pembroke Pines.
More than 6,000 mosquito control service requests have been logged, prompting an all-hands-on-deck response that includes aerial spraying scheduled for this weekend, nighttime truck-based adulticide spraying, and daytime treatments using backpack and other targeted spray methods. Crews from other parts of the county have been redirected to support efforts in the west.
Officials say the surge is largely due to the proximity of these cities to the Everglades and the emergence of Psorophora mosquitoes, commonly known as "gallinippers." These large, aggressive mosquitoes hatch from dormant eggs activated by recent heavy rains. While they do not transmit diseases like Zika or dengue, they are strong fliers and aggressive biters, creating a major nuisance for outdoor activity.
County officials are urging residents to be patient, noting that all requests for spraying will be fulfilled as quickly as possible. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to regularly check their properties and eliminate standing water, which can serve as mosquito breeding grounds.
Mosquito spraying requests can be submitted by calling 311 or by completing the Mosquito Service Request Form available on the county's website.
