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Drain and Cover: Protect Yourself from Mosquito-Borne Illness
Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County
- 850-983-5200
- PIO.CHD57@flhealth.gov
-
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 929
Milton, FL 32572-0929
Drain standing water from:
- Garbage cans
- Pool covers
- Flower pots
- Buckets and watering cans
- Kiddie pools
Practice these tips to avoid mosquito breeding:
- Discard old tires, bottles, pots, broken appliances, and other items that may collect water.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pets’ water bowls, at least twice a week.
- Remove yard debris and other items that can hold even small amounts of water.
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not collect water.
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition, with appropriate treatment of chlorination.
These simple steps can prevent mosquitoes from living and multiplying around your home.
Cover your skin with clothing or insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites.
- Choose insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.
Use the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s search tool to choose the appropriate insect repellent products. Always follow the directions on the product you are using.
- Apply insect repellent when going outdoors. Even if you do not notice mosquitoes there is a good chance they are around.
- Re-apply insect repellent if you are bitten by mosquitoes, or after sweating or getting wet.
- For children, spray your hands first and then rub the repellent on the child’s skin. Use mosquito netting for children under two months of age.
Learn more about mosquito-borne diseases:
Additional Resources
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