Tropical Storm Colin's wake could cause mosquito breeding boom, officials say

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — With any heavy rain, residual standing water can collect in big and small containers and could result in an explosion in mosquito populations, Orange County Mosquito Control said.

Major collectors of rainwater include gutters, pool covers, flower pots, cups and tires, which should be emptied at least once a week, OCMC said.

The breed of mosquito known to transmit the Zika virus likes to live near homes and breed in small containers, the agency said.

With summer temperatures on the rise, mosquitoes can breed in fewer than five days, OCMC said.

The rain that came with Colin was not severe enough for the agency to increase its mosquito-control efforts beyond the normal level for this time of year.

OCMC has worked in recent years to proactively step up efforts to combat mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue fever and chikungunya, the agency said.

The same efforts will be effective against mosquitoes capable of carrying the Zika virus, OCMC said.

Click here for more information on mosquito control in Orange County.

Cox Media Group