Mosquitoes
 

I've lived in the Belle Aire section for almost 20 years and have never had a problem with mosquitoes before. Has anyone else noticed the problem? Also, who would I call to complain to? Thanks Jim

If you are in Sumter County: Sumter County Mosquito Control

Our side is built out no need for spraying

Not a hater here but we have noticed that mosquitoes are up in the evenings from previous years. I wouldn't think this semi-drought we're having would breed mosquitoes but it seems to be doing so. Fortunately, it only seems to be in the evenings and so we just don't walk the neighborhood after the sun goes down.

Last Fall the mosquito population seemed to become very large and many Villagers were complaining / questioning the spraying situation . I noticed a great difference from past seasons so I found the right Department in Sumter County and was able to communicate with one of the long time Sumter County employees in pest control . He explained a great deal about the restrictions which they have to abide by as to where they can and can not spray and the frequency . For example he stated that they are not allowed to spray at all in the Brownwood Town Square area because there is a small body of water which is located around RT.44 and a bit along East Torch Lake Drive . Then he went on to share that the product that they are permitted to use has minimal effectiveness . As he explained it " the chemical only eliminates mosquitos which are in the air at the time that we pass by spraying . It does nothing to eliminate those that are protected in the grass or in the shrubs in the general area . And it is only effective for about a minute or two " . He went on to say that the regulations regarding spraying had been changed radically by State Government in recent years . Finally , he explained that Sumter County was about to outsource the spraying and pest control effective 11/15 . And that he and a few other long time employees were being let go . There would be a staff of one or two to deal with the public and manage the contracted companies . His final words to me " good luck with the mosquito service next season " . And now here it is .
Finally , I have no idea how much of the above is true however it is pretty much exactly how he explained the situation to me ........ so don't shoot the messenger ! Thanks

This would be the ultimate irony---while everyone is focused on coronavirus, we have an epidemic of triple E (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) from ineffective spraying.

Not funny, just ironic

Probably coming out of retention pond? Don’t have to be drought for them to bloom in stagnant water.

Agree with the OP....been here 18 plus yrs & this yr is the worst ever.

up north we had a big problem with mosquitos & they rarely sprayed, so i would get a raid yard guard 2x a year. it made a difference, but you have to be careful & set it off @ night when everyone was indoors. the only problem is it kills off good bugs too

Was out last night In Buttonwood and the mosquitos were everywhere. Had to go in. Been here 9 years and have never seen it like this.

well, doesn't this sound like one more reason to stay home!

we actually haven't noticed many....maybe it's because we put a little suntan screen on, a large hat and take our walks during the day to get some exercise

by 3:30 we're inside sipping down martini's everyday

Is there a county commissioner that could/would respond?

Yes, see link in post #2.

We live in the Village of St. Charles and have noticed the same thing. They are swarming here at around dark. I don't know if they have quit spraying or what but that is one of things we love about living here.....normally very few, if any, mosquitoes.

I, too, have spoken to the Control officer. The explanation was similar to one posted. STATE regulations preclude using effective products and limit frequency. The county's hands are tied. They have traps which have to have a certain number of mosquitos before they can spray. I told them to put it in my front yard! Mosquitos love me and I'd attract plenty. The problem has only been in the last 4 or 5 years. Prior to that I never saw a mosquito within The Villages--only beyond.

Grrr just what we need something else to worry about

mosquitoes
 

About 6 years ago TV had mosquito spray trucks go through the neighborhoods at about 3am to spray. That was very effective, however, some people complained about insecticide being sprayed so they stopped. Now we have mosquitoes all over the area.

We sat out side last Thurs. evening until dusk when were attacked by mosquitos.
It was so bad, almost like being back in MN.

Import barn swallows and put up bat houses
 

Best and most environmental way to correct this is to find a way to attract barn swallows and put up bat houses so they can eat up all those mosquitoes and then you have animals t watch and enjoy. How about finding a way to keep the water moving!?!

Back in the days before 'green' we used to spray a thin film of oil over lying water and swamp, and it used to kill the larvai when they came up to breath.
Didnt get them all, but reduced the population quite a bit.

A good repelant, is Avon Oh So Soft.
Used that fishing in Scotland during Midge season, and found it very good.
Yeast tablets also work, but you have to take them several weeks ahead.

Yes. They are the size of a dime.! Have a photo of a dead one but couldn’t download pic

I have lived in Santa Domingo 19 yrs .never never saw anything flying but birds. The last two days I have seen flies. WhT is going on?

I am not of fan of spraying. Who knows what that can do to you!

We live about 10 minutes from Mallory golf course, not near any body of water, and yes we've noticed more mosquitos than ever before. Somehow there have even been a couple buzzing around the bedroom at night, for two nights in a row . With the lack of rain, mosquitos should be pretty rare.

It may be partly due to reducing bat population. They have had their own virus problems; and a fungus. I have a pond and often there are lots of dragonflies flying around eating bugs, especially after lawn mowing. They probably eat skeeters too.

I'm impressed with the creative ideas of how we can address this problem. I wonder if we can order any of these products to be send to our area. I ask it is this manner as I recently on my knees pulled up all of the grass in my back yard of CYV to turn it into a gorgeous garden with mulch and lovely butterflies and birds coming in, even a robin back in winter. What I noticed in all of that weeding was only ONE earthworm. I found out that I can order them and have then sent to my home and then let them go on my premises. Do any of you know of agricultural sources that we can tap into, to address our current problem? We as a creative group might have the time to help The Villages be creative in solving this and in turn make this an even more gorgeous place to live. I am new here and so do not know what FL has in Agricultural assistance, ideas, assessment of our problem and ways to correct it. I do not even know to whom we can give these ideas when we find ways to correct our situation. We can help do this, instead of just complaining. if someone knows the Departments at the Villages can you post it here so the rest of us know to whom we can give our problem solving information. Thanks to all.

Earthworms and grubs etc, only bring Moles and Gophers. Moles have destroyed my lawn considerably even with all the gimmicks and pesticide used....