Plenty of rain could lead to lots of mosquitoes

Rain may be perfect breeding ground

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida's surgeon general said Zika remains a threat, but there are no current areas of active, ongoing transmission in the state.

It was great to get rain this week and turn the tables on the dry conditions the area had experienced for much of the spring, but lots of water can lead to lots of mosquitoes.

The experts advise that you start a water watch. All the rain may be the perfect breeding ground, so go around your home and dump out any standing water you can find.

Search empty bottles, tin cans, dog dishes, bird baths, 5-gallon pails and old tires.

Most mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. The eggs hatch in just a day or two. That means within a week, an army of very hungry pets will be ready to attack.

More advice from the experts: Screens on windows and doors help keep the mosquitoes out. Change the water weekly in any containers that hold flowers and in bird baths. Boats or recreational items should be drained.

The Amelia Island Mosquito Control advises you to add gambusias, the mosquito-eating fish, to your ponds.


About the Author:

Kent Justice co-anchors News4Jax's 5 p.m., 10 and 11 p.m. newscasts weeknights and reports on government and politics. He also hosts "This Week in Jacksonville," Channel 4's hot topics and politics public affairs show each Sunday morning at 9 a.m.