Get ready, mosquito season is about to kick into high gear, and with a vengeance.

The abundance of rain we've seen in Pasco County has created the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Our challenge is to prevent the larvae from developing into biting adults.

The Pasco County Mosquito Control District is working hard this week checking various points of standing water across the area for larvae, with the intent to kill the early stages of the mosquitoes before they develop into adults. Our team is using our fleet of spray trucks and two helicopters as needed.

Now is the time for residents to dump standing water from containers you may have in your yard. Residents can limit mosquito breeding habitats by emptying water in stored boats, flower pots and saucers, trash cans, discarded tires and wading pools. You should also change the water in bird baths weekly and pet dishes daily.

In our battle with mosquitoes, we also rely on the Gambusia mosquito fish, a species of freshwater fish with a big appetite for mosquito larvae. Field personnel move Gambusia fish to areas with developing larvae to naturally control their populations. We've been doing this for years and continue to supplement our control program with this natural predator.

One of our main concerns with this month's deluge of rain and a forecast for more, is the potential for mosquitoes transmitting disease. State and local health officials warn of an increased risk for mosquito-borne illnesses. No human cases have been reported, but several horses and emus in other parts of Florida have tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis virus, which is spread through mosquito bites. The mosquito control district is working closely with the Pasco County health department to keep an eye on Zika, Yellow Fever and other virus trends this year.

To monitor the local threat of mosquito-borne disease, the organization uses nine chicken flocks scattered throughout Pasco County.

A sample of the chickens' blood is tested each week from May through November to determine which location might show the presence of any mosquito-borne virus. The chickens don't get the virus and get sick, but simply show the antibodies in the blood test, making them a great early detection system. So far, no virus has been reported in Pasco County.

Mosquito season is very much like hurricane season — both are difficult to predict. Our team is responding to the weather events and keeping a close eye on any disease activity that might arise. One thing for sure is that this season started off with a bang.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes, remember to "Drain and Cover":

• Drain standing water weekly to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.

• Cover skin with clothing or repellent and cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.

National Mosquito Control Awareness Week (June 26 – July 1) is for educating the public about the significance of mosquitoes and the services provided by mosquito control workers throughout the United States.

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Dennis Moore, director of the Pasco County Mosquito Control District

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