TAMPA, Fla. — Rainy season is here and it only takes a bottle cap of water for some mosquitoes to breed and multiply.

  • Mosquitoes arrive alongside rainy season
  • Residents should drain standing water and protect skin 
  • Learn how to prevent mosquito-borne illness HERE. 

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County wants residents to prevent mosquito breeding and mosquito-borne illness.

To protect yourself against mosquitoes, the department urges residents to drain and cover to help keep safe.

They’ve provided tips below to keep healthy and protected during the rainy season.

Drain standing water:

  • Drain water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
  • Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
  • Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.
  • Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water.
  • Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. 

Empty any plastic swimming pools when not in use.

Cover your skin with:

  • Clothing: If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves.
  • Repellent: Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with 10-30 percent DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.
  • Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

Cover your doors and windows with screens:

  • Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

To eliminate mosquito breeding sites: 

  • Clean out troughs and gutters.
  • Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds to drain.
  • Turn over or remove empty plastic pots.
  • Pick up all beverage containers and cups.
  • Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water.
  • Replace water in birdbaths and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week.
  • Change water in plant trays, including hanging plants, at least once a week.
  • Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.

To further protect yourself during the rainy season, visit their site for more information here.