ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County is taking its fight against mosquitoes to the skies after reporting five locally acquired cases of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne virus that can cause severe illness.
The county plans to conduct aerial mosquito spraying in targeted areas of Apopka and Pine Hills in an effort to reduce the mosquito population.
For some South Apopka residents, the relief cannot come soon enough.
Tequila and Destini, who live in South Apopka, said mosquitoes have become a persistent nuisance, prompting them to use mosquito repellent and limit their time outdoors.
“I have the perfect approach — I’m not outside,” one of the residents said. “I don’t hang out in Apopka or be out after a certain time if I don’t have mosquito spray.”
The residents said repellent has become a necessity, particularly in the evening when mosquitoes become more active.
[WATCH: 2 more locally acquired dengue cases confirmed in Orange County]
When asked whether applying repellent had become an everyday occurrence, one resident said it was a must when spending time outside in the evening.
The two welcomed news of the county’s planned aerial spraying, saying the mosquito problem has become difficult to tolerate.
“The mosquitoes are bad,” one resident said.
Bettie Lewis, who has lived in her South Apopka home since 1970, said a lake across the street contributes to her concerns about mosquitoes in the neighborhood.
Lewis said she goes inside when the sun begins to set.
When asked what she does when the mosquitoes come out at night, Lewis responded, “In the house!”
She hopes the county’s spraying will reduce the mosquito population and give residents greater peace of mind.
Steve Harrison, manager of Orange County Mosquito Control, said the aerial spraying is expected to reduce the targeted mosquito population by 99%.
As of Monday, Orange County had reported five locally acquired dengue cases: four in Apopka and one in Pine Hills.
Spraying is scheduled to begin just before 7 p.m. If storms interfere with the operation, county officials said the remaining spraying will be completed Saturday night.
Dengue is primarily spread to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Although many people experience mild symptoms or no symptoms, severe cases can be life-threatening.
Residents can help reduce mosquito exposure by using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing clothing that covers exposed skin and removing standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
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