Officials throughout Central Florida are advising the public of a series of aerial mosquito treatments being made to combat increased mosquito populations due to Hurricane Ian.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is conducting aerial spraying missions throughout multiple counties across the state of Florida, including Orange and Seminole. Both counties have provided maps of the affected areas, which are situated throughout the area.
Approximately 93,000 acres in Orange County have been identified for treatment. Those areas include Apopka, Bithlo, Christmas, Hunter’s Creek, Union Park, and Wedgefield.
Approximately 48,000 acres in the eastern rural areas of Seminole County will be sprayed, including Lake Jesup, Lake Harney, Geneva, Chuluota, Oviedo, and Black Hammock.
According to health officials, the rise in mosquito populations is difficult to contain with regular ground-spraying, especially in rural areas that are inaccessible to vehicles. Authorities say that mosquito surveillance programs show an increase in mosquito-borne illnesses. These programs are conducted with the use of sentinel chickens, which are tested for illnesses.
To date, no human cases of mosquito-borne illnesses have been reported, according to officials.
As floodwaters recede in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, mosquitos are present in smaller, stagnant collection points that are creating favorable breeding habitats.
No precautions are necessary for residents in order to safeguard livestock, pets, or gardens.
For more information about aerial treatments in Orange County, visit the Orange County aerial mosquito treatment announcement.