Bay County Mosquito Control Urges Residents To Help Prevent Mosquito Breeding This Summer

June 23, 2025

by Bay County Manager's Office

PANAMA CITY, FL – Summer in Bay County means sunshine, outdoor fun and community events, but it is also peak mosquito season. Bay County Mosquito Control reminds residents that mosquito prevention starts at home.

Most mosquitoes do not travel far from where they hatch, meaning many infestations originate in backyards. Identifying and eliminating standing water around your property can greatly reduce mosquito populations and help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses.

“We had rainfall across Bay County this past weekend, and that creates new opportunities for mosquitoes to breed,” said Eric Cope, Bay County Mosquito Control division manager. “Now is the time for residents to walk their property and dump out any standing water they find. Even small amounts of water can produce hundreds of mosquitoes.”

Residents are encouraged to check for and remove the following common mosquito breeding sites:

Tires left on the property

Tire swings and children's toys

Bird baths and pet dishes

Tarps covering equipment or materials

Clogged rain gutters

Abandoned or untreated swimming pools

Flower pots with saucers

Boats and jet skis that collect rainwater

Bay County continues to monitor concerns related to the Zika virus, primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These species thrive in containers and are commonly found near human habitats. They are active during the day and rest at night, making traditional nighttime spraying less effective against them.

To reduce mosquito exposure and risk of illness, Bay County Mosquito Control reminds residents who are sensitive to insect bites to follow the “5 D’s” of prevention:

Dusk and dawn – Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active.

Dress – Wear long sleeves, pants and other protective clothing.

DEET – Use EPA-approved repellents that contain DEET.

Drain – Remove standing water around your home.

Defend – Take steps to mosquito-proof your home and yard.

The Florida Department of Health and Bay County Mosquito Control work closely with local, state and federal partners to monitor mosquito activity and the potential spread of mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, dengue, chikungunya and malaria.

Mosquito-borne illnesses are preventable. With help from the community, Bay County residents and visitors can enjoy a safe and healthy summer outdoors

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Editor's note: Even with EPA approval, DEET is well known to cause health issues. Read this article on DEET alternatives. https://baycountycoastal.com/articles/1623/view/beware-the-buzz-deet-dangers-and-natural-bug-repellent-alternatives

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