Florida has always been itchy with bloodsuckers, but changing weather, invasive species, human development and the mosquito’s adaptation to longer, hotter summers are increasing mosquito populations all over the world. Sarasota County’s anti-mosquito program started in 1945, and longtimers still remember the childhood ritual of chasing the fogging trucks through their neighborhoods as they sprayed DDT. Today, Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services, with an annual budget of $3.8 million (one of the lowest in the state for this department) and a full-time staff of 21 employees, is still making this place livable.

Species in Sarasota

More than 80 mosquito species call Florida home, and each mosquito species has different habitat preferences. Seventeen species are invasive and, among those, three are vectors for potentially deadly diseases such as malaria, Dengue and Zika. Sarasota is home to 34 known species. Malaria and West Nile virus have been found here as recently as 2023.

Hurricane Effect

Saltwater mosquito populations—usually found in coastal mangroves and swamps—are now in new areas, including those that are more developed, because of last year’s hurricanes. The storms forced flood waters inland and changed landscapes, creating new pockets and vacant lots for standing water, where these mosquitoes breed.

On the Ground

Ninety percent of mosquito management is larviciding—targeted spraying of bacteria or growth hormone regulators that don’t affect humans or
other insects, just the larva of mosquitoes. Most of this spraying is done at night, so people aren’t aware it’s happening.

In the Air

Another 10 percent of management is aerial spraying of insecticides with airplanes and helicopters. This is done in large rural areas. Wade Brennan, Sarasota’s Mosquito Management Services manager, says this technique is as environmentally friendly as possible. “It’s a contact killer,” he says. “In other words, it’s only going to kill the mosquitoes [or other same-size flying insects] that are flying at the time of application. We only fly at night because bees, butterflies and all those other insects that are major pollinators during the day are already taking harborage.”

Sarasota Is No. 1 in Mosquito Fish

The Sarasota Mosquito Management Control Services is home to the biggest mosquito fish aquaculture farm in the state. Mosquito fish are native to Florida and eat mosquito larva. While management deploys the fish to large bodies of water, they will also provide them to your home or neighborhood for free should you qualify.

The Five Ds

Brennan recommends these steps to minimize mosquito nuisance: Drain any standing water from boats, tarps and gutters. Dump containers filled with water. Avoid going outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
And defend yourself using CDC-approved repellents.