Vector Control

Mosquitoes are called “vectors” because they can carry and spread diseases. When they bite an infected person or animal, they can pick up germs and pass them to someone else.

Mosquitoes can spread viruses like West Nile, dengue, or Zika. They can also carry parasites like malaria. Read more about vector diseases here.

Help Keep Our Community Mosquito-Free

Mosquitoes need standing water to breed. By removing water from places where it collects, we can all help keep our neighborhoods healthier and more comfortable. Watch for puddles, ponds, ditches, tires, buckets, or any other containers that hold water for more than a few days. Even small amounts of water can become a home for mosquito larvae.

More ways to prevent or kill mosquitos at home.

Protect Yourself From Bites

Here are some tips for protecting yourself and your family from mosquito bites that can make you sick.

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent
• Wear loose-fitting, long clothing
• Treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin

The Health Department's Role

Clay County Public Health may check public and private properties when needed to look for mosquito breeding areas. Community members can report areas of concern via this form.

If our environmental health team finds standing water or other conditions where insects are breeding, they'll let property owners know. Then they get 15 days to fix the problem—by draining, filling, or treating the water—and prevent mosquitoes from multiplying.

Read the official order here: Control of Mosquitoes and Other Insects (PDF) 

For more information, call Environmental Health at 816-595-4350.