Florida Mosquito Control Awareness Week

It is SKEETER WEEK! Florida mosquito control professionals fight a daily battle against the world’s deadliest animal: the mosquito. It takes as little as a bottle cap of water for a female mosquito to lay her eggs, and in Florida’s warm, humid climate, even the smallest amount of standing water can quickly become a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Each year, mosquito control districts across the state participate in Florida Mosquito Control Awareness Week (April 20–23, 2026) to educate the public on prevention, mosquito-borne illnesses, and the work being done to protect communities. In recognition of this week, the South Walton Mosquito Control District (SWMD) will host a series of daily public events at its district office located at 774 N. County Hwy 393, Santa Rosa Beach. Community members are invited to:

• Meet your local mosquito control team • Pick up FREE Yellow Fly Kits • Learn practical prevention tips • Experience a live drone demonstration • Participate in a Q&A with staff • Possible appearance(s) by the Board of Commissioners

Mosquito control is a year-round effort. Across Florida, professionals work 365 days a year to monitor and reduce mosquito populations that pose serious public health risks. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, where we study mosquito behavior, track populations, and identify new species. Florida is home to more than 80 mosquito species, and as a global hub for travel and trade, the state remains vulnerable to invasive species that can spread diseases such as Zika, West Nile virus, Chikungunya, and Dengue.

To enhance these efforts, SWMD uses drone technology to safely and precisely treat hard-to-reach breeding areas like marshes and wetlands—improving efficiency and effectiveness in mosquito control operations.

With more than 20 million residents and millions of visitors each year, Florida relies on a strong network of mosquito control professionals working together to safeguard public health. Residents play a vital role by eliminating standing water around their homes and staying informed.

South Walton County residents are encouraged to stop by during Florida Mosquito Control Awareness Week to pick up a free Yellow Fly Kit; check out a drone demonstration; take a selfie with Coolio our Mosquito Mascot; see how to eliminate mosquito breeding at your home; pick up some swag; and learn about how SWMD protects the community! For more information on daily events, visit our website or Facebook page.

About South Walton Mosquito District: In 1964, SWMD was established to control disease-bearing mosquitoes and other insects. Services include advanced methods of Surveillance, Drone technology, Truck Spraying, Aerial Treatments, Larvaciding, Adulticiding, Integrated Pest Management, Source Reduction/Ditch Operations, Distribution of Yellow Fly Kits, Sentinel Chicken Surveillance, and Public Outreach. For more info, please follow SWMD on Facebook or Instagram or visit https://www.southwaltonmosquitocontrol.org

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