SOUTH WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — While only one case of West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in Walton County so far this year, the South Walton Mosquito District is reminding residents that mosquito-borne disease activity remains a concern during the peak of West Nile virus season.
West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses are more prevalent during the summer and early fall. The South Walton Mosquito District continues to monitor mosquito populations throughout South Walton County and is taking proactive measures to reduce mosquito populations and the risk of disease transmission.
Monitoring and Mosquito Control Efforts
The District deploys adult mosquito traps throughout South Walton County to monitor mosquito population densities and test for mosquito-borne diseases. The District currently has 22 permanent trap locations, primarily positioned near swampy areas and populated communities. Traps are checked twice a week, and collected mosquitoes are brought to the District's laboratory, where the Entomology Department identifies the species present.
Trap data helps guide mosquito-control decisions, including when and where adulticide treatments, commonly known as nighttime spraying, may be necessary. Adulticide treatments are used as a last line of defense when mosquito populations and disease risk warrant additional control measures.
The District also conducts weekly inspections and treatments at known mosquito breeding sites. Field technicians apply larvicide, a biopesticide that targets immature mosquitoes before they develop into biting adults. Residents who notice increased mosquito activity can also submit a service request, prompting technicians to investigate the area for additional breeding sites.
Sentinel Chickens Help Detect Mosquito-Borne Disease
Thirteen of the District's trap locations also serve as sentinel sites for 52 chickens. Blood samples are collected from the chickens weekly and sent to the Florida Department of Health laboratory in Tampa for testing for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).
Chickens are useful for surveillance because they typically do not show symptoms of these diseases and are considered dead-end hosts, meaning mosquitoes cannot acquire the virus from them and transmit it onward.
If a chicken tests positive, District technicians conduct additional surveillance in the surrounding area, including checking for breeding sites and increasing mosquito trapping. Positive sentinel chickens are not harmed; they are placed in new homes or donated to programs such as Future Farmers of America (FFA).
Additional adulticide treatments may be considered based on mosquito populations, species composition, disease activity and other surveillance data. The Florida Department of Health may issue a public health advisory when multiple birds in an area test positive for a mosquito-borne illness.
Rainfall Can Increase Mosquito Populations
Recent and ongoing rainfall can significantly increase mosquito populations by creating breeding habitat for floodwater and container-breeding species. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in almost anything that holds water, including tires, buckets, wheelbarrows, clogged gutters, swimming pools, tarps, toys and kiddie pools. Under favorable conditions, mosquitoes can develop from eggs to adults in approximately five to seven days.
Residents are encouraged to spend 10 minutes each week inspecting their property and eliminating standing water.
Residents should:
- Tip over or discard containers that collect water.
- Keep swimming pools and fountains operational and circulating.
- Tip over items such as buckets, toys, kiddie pools, trash cans and plant trays.
- Change water in birdbaths and pet bowls at least weekly.
- Aerate ornamental ponds and fountains or stock them with fish or mosquito dunks when appropriate.
- Store outdoor toys, empty containers and other water-holding items upside down when they are not in use.
Residents with large, non-circulating water vessels or ponds may also request free mosquito fish through the District's service request system.
Protect Yourself From Mosquito Bites
Residents can reduce their risk of mosquito bites by taking the following precautions:
- Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use air conditioning or, when outdoors, sit within the air stream of a fan when possible.
- Make sure window and door screens are in good condition.
- Use mosquito repellents containing EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Always follow the product label when applying mosquito repellent.
Request Mosquito Control Services
Residents can report mosquito-related concerns or request service by:
- Calling (850) 267-2112
- Submitting a service request online at South Walton Mosquito District
- Emailing publicrelations@swcmcd.org
For additional information about mosquito prevention, mosquito-borne diseases and District programs, visit www.southwaltonmosquitocontrol.org.
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About South Walton Mosquito District: In 1964, SWMD was established to control disease-bearing mosquitoes and other insects. Services include advanced methods of Surveillance, Drone technology, Truck Spraying, Aerial Treatments, Larvaciding, Adulticiding, Source Reduction, Distribution of Yellow Fly Kits, Sentinel Chicken Surveillance, and Public Outreach. For more info, please follow SWMD on Facebook or Instagram, or visit www.southwaltonmosquitocontrol.org.
South Walton Mosquito Control
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Kellyanne Bartleson Public Information Officer/Public Outreach
- September 17, 2026
- (850) 267-2112
- Send Email
