Disease Vector Information:

Citizens can sign up for free disease vector information alerts via the following website: www.outbreak-alert.com. Surveillance information and reported cases disease can be quickly access via an interactive map.  When a disease outbreak occurs, those who have signed up for the notification and live within a 250-mile radius will receive a text or email message to alert them of the potential threat.

Owners or caretakers who transport their livestock and want to stay abreast of disease threats in other parts of the country can enter multiple ZIP codes in the site's search field. If you sign up to the site, you will then be able to receive alerts for all areas selected.

Okaloosa County Mosquitoes:

Of the 80 mosquito species found in Florida, approximately 30 species can be found in Okaloosa County, and to the trained eye, each one looks as different as a poodle and a starfish. Adult mosquitoes vary widely in size, color, active range, feeding habits, larval ecosystem and range in length from 1/8 inch to 1-1/2 inches. 

The Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) shown above, is common around homes since its invasion into Okaloosa County, and is one of the smaller mosquitoes. Unlike most other mosquitoes, they are voracious day biters.  Most other species feed at dusk or dawn or if disturbed from resting in daylight hours.  While Ae. albopictus is a huge nuisance; it deserves some credit for the control of malaria in Florida.  Ae. albopictus competes with the malaria vector Ae. aegypti for breeding sites and has nearly pushed them out of the State.  Other mosquitoes you may find in your yard or home are usually bigger than Ae. albopictus.  Mosquitoes share similar habits, but each has a distinct lifestyle. Fortunately, not very many of these species are major pests or disease vectors.

Mosquitoes that carry diseases (referred to as disease vectors) that are commonly found in Okaloosa County are:

Genus Abbreviations – Aedes-Ae., Anopholes-An., Culiseta-Cs., Coquillettidia-Cq., Culex-Cx., Psorophora-Ps.

If you live in Okaloosa County or anywhere in Florida, there is no way to escape contact with mosquitoes.  Please use the information on this website to become familiar with these pests, your options for avoidance and County Control Measures.  Please keep in mind, there is no way to completely eradicate the mosquito without irreparable harm to the environment. 

The most prudent alternative to eradication is control.  The Okaloosa County Mosquito Control District employs nine employees; one Director, two Foremen and six technicians.  The District mosquito control measures are based on integrated pest management.  The USEPA defined Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as follows:  “IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.”