Florida is home to the top 11 cities with the most severe mosquito populations, and Orlando is on the list. August 20th is World Mosquito Day, marking 125 years since scientists linked mosquitoes to the spread of malaria, and because there are so many severe cities, OFF! is sharing unexpected facts about what attracts mosquitoes and prevention tips for Floridians.
The Florida cities with the most severe mosquito population and greatest need for prevention: West Palm Beach, Ft. Pierce, Ft. Myers, Naples, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Tampa, and Sarasota – according to OFF!’s forecasting tool, OFF!Cast, which predicts local mosquito populations up to 7 days in advance.
Did You Know?
- Fact: Mosquitoes are especially drawn to body heat and lactic acid, a substance your body emits when you sweat, as well as carbon dioxide which you expel while breathing.
- Tip: Stay protected when participating in outdoor activities that make you breathe harder by applying insect repellent before heading out for your activity and re-applying as directed on the label. Consider OFF! Active Insect Repellents, which provides sweat-resistant protection.
- Fact: Mosquitoes are attracted to dark-colored clothing.
- Tip: Reduce your chances of getting bit by wearing light colors the next time you plan on spending time outdoors.
- Fact: Mosquitoes can detect even small areas of exposed skin and in some cases, can bite through clothing.
- Tip: Consider spraying clothes with a personal insect repellent for added protection. Remember to only use a repellent product that is labeled for use on clothing and consult the label for full use directions before applying.
- Fact: Two-thirds of Americans aren’t using bug spray correctly.
- Tip: Prevention is the best protection against bites and the potential infections they carry. “Before being exposed to mosquitoes or ticks, it’s important to apply insect repellent in advance of going out – similar to using sunscreen as part of a daily routine,” said Dr. Jessica Wu, a renowned dermatologist and OFF! partner.
Related: “Especially today, it’s easy to overlook the fact that pandemics aren’t a new thing,” said Edwin Bailey of Blackwell Auctions. “The world has always been tormented by viruses, and yellow fever was – and sadly continues to be – a nasty one. But John Kissinger’s amazing courage and self-sacrifice, coupled with Walter Reed’s persistence, helped to confirm mosquitoes as the disease’s primary vector.”
