Category: MOSQUITO CONTROL

Dengue Fever in Florida: What Residents Need to Know

At SWAT Mosquito Systems®, we help Florida homeowners understand their mosquito-service options. With dengue being reported locally, we are also sharing clear, source-based information about the illness, the mosquitoes that spread it and the bite-prevention steps recommended by public-health authorities.

What is dengue fever?

Dengue fever is a viral illness usually spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes. Florida has reported locally acquired infections in 2026, meaning some people became infected in Florida without international travel. Residents should follow local health updates, prevent mosquito bites and seek medical care if dengue symptoms develop.

What is happening with dengue in Florida?

Florida’s dengue reports include both infections associated with international travel and cases acquired within the state. That distinction matters: local transmission means an infected mosquito in Florida can spread the virus to someone who has not recently traveled abroad.

Reporting snapshot: September 20–26, 2026. Florida Health’s report recorded 252 locally acquired dengue cases for the year, including 223 in Hillsborough County. It also recorded 245 international travel-associated cases statewide. Those totals describe the reporting period, rather than a live count of infections today.

For updated numbers, check the Florida Department of Health’s weekly arbovirus reports. Conditions can differ by county, so a statewide headline should not be read as evidence of identical risk in every neighborhood.

How does dengue spread?

An Aedes mosquito can pick up dengue virus by biting an infected person, then pass it to another person through a subsequent bite. Both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito, are present in Florida.

These mosquitoes can live close to people. They use water-holding containers to lay eggs, and they can bite during the day and night. A morning walk, afternoon yard work or time on the patio can all be reasons to think about bite prevention.

Read the CDC’s explanation of how dengue spreads for more detail.

What symptoms should you watch for?

Fever accompanied by pain behind the eyes, headache, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting or a rash can be a sign of dengue. These symptoms can overlap with other illnesses. A mosquito bite alone does not establish a diagnosis.

Contact a healthcare provider if you develop symptoms, and mention where you live and any recent travel. SWAT provides mosquito services, not medical diagnosis or treatment.

The CDC’s dengue symptoms and testing guidance explains when testing and medical evaluation may be needed.

When is immediate medical care needed?

Severe belly pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding or extreme tiredness or restlessness require immediate medical evaluation. Warning signs can begin as the fever goes away, so improvement in temperature does not always mean the illness has resolved.

If dengue is suspected, follow medical advice. CDC advises avoiding aspirin and ibuprofen because of bleeding concerns; its dengue care guidance describes supportive care and warning signs.

What can Florida residents do now?

Start with the CDC’s dengue prevention recommendations: use insect repellent, wear clothing that covers exposed skin and maintain screens. Remove water-holding containers around your home and keep up with local health notices.

Personal protection remains important even when a property receives mosquito treatment. Do not assume a treated yard eliminates bites or the possibility of infection.

Questions about mosquito services in your area?

SWAT Mosquito Systems® serves communities across Florida. Check our Florida service areas or contact SWAT to ask about available services for your property.

Residential mosquito misting has not been scientifically proven to prevent dengue or other mosquito-borne diseases. For disease-prevention decisions, follow public-health guidance and your healthcare provider’s advice.

Frequently asked questions about dengue fever in Florida

Can you get dengue in Florida without traveling?

Yes. Florida has reported locally acquired dengue cases in 2026. This means some infections were acquired within Florida rather than during international travel. Check Florida Health’s latest surveillance reports for county information.

Does every mosquito bite cause dengue?

No. Dengue transmission requires a mosquito carrying the virus. You cannot determine whether a bite transmitted dengue by looking at the bite mark.

Can dengue symptoms appear immediately after a bite?

Symptoms generally develop within two weeks of an infected mosquito bite, rather than immediately. Seek medical advice if fever or other concerning symptoms develop.

Is dengue only a concern in South Florida?

No. Florida’s September 20–26, 2026 report included local cases in multiple counties, with the largest reported total in Hillsborough County. Use current county guidance rather than assuming the issue is limited to one region.

CDC guidance note

This article’s dengue education and mosquito bite-prevention tips follow CDC guidance. SWAT’s mosquito services are not intended to prevent or treat dengue.

Sources

Florida Department of Health: Weekly arbovirus reports

CDC: About dengue

CDC: Dengue symptoms and testing

CDC: Dengue prevention

EPA: Residential mosquito misting systems

Hurricane Season and Mosquitoes: Why Populations Surge After Florida Storms

When a hurricane or tropical storm moves through Florida, mosquito activity does not always increase immediately. Strong winds can reduce the number of adult mosquitoes during the storm. The larger problem often develops afterward, when floodwater and standing water create new places for mosquito eggs to hatch and larvae to develop.

According to CDC guidance for hurricanes and floods, an increase in nuisance or floodwater mosquitoes is expected in the weeks after flooding. That means your backyard may feel manageable right after the weather clears, then become difficult to use days later. Understanding that delay helps homeowners begin mosquito prevention before populations surge.

Why Do Mosquitoes Increase After a Hurricane?

Hurricanes change the environment quickly. Heavy rain floods low areas, fills drainage ditches, saturates soil, and leaves water inside containers scattered around homes. Different mosquitoes take advantage of those conditions in different ways.

Floodwater mosquito eggs can hatch after flooding

Some floodwater mosquitoes lay eggs in moist soil. Those eggs can remain dry until heavy rain or flooding covers them. UF/IFAS hurricane recovery guidance explains that stormwater acts as the signal for the eggs to hatch, sometimes producing large mosquito populations over a short period.

Standing water mosquitoes can follow

If water remains after the initial flooding, other mosquito species may lay eggs directly in or near that water. Buckets, tarps, pool covers, damaged furniture, clogged gutters, planters, toys, and storm debris can all become breeding areas.

How Soon Do Mosquitoes Appear After a Storm?

The timing depends on the mosquito species, temperature, and local conditions. Homeowners often notice floodwater mosquitoes in the days and weeks after flooding. Standing water species may become more noticeable when water remains long enough for eggs, larvae, and pupae to develop.

This delayed increase is why outdoor mosquito control should begin as part of storm cleanup. Waiting until mosquitoes are already overwhelming the yard gives new populations more time to develop.

8 Places to Check for Standing Water After a Storm

Once it is safe to go outside, inspect the property carefully. Hurricane winds can move objects and create water-holding areas that were not present before the storm.

  • Rain gutters and downspout extensions
  • Tarps, grill covers, and furniture covers
  • Buckets, storage bins, and overturned lids
  • Pool covers, toys, and equipment areas
  • Planters, flowerpot saucers, and birdbaths
  • Landscape drains, swales, and low areas
  • Storm debris and damaged outdoor furniture
  • Trash containers, wheelbarrows, and children’s toys

The CDC’s mosquito control guidance for the home recommends emptying, scrubbing, turning over, covering, or throwing away items that hold water. Water storage containers should be tightly covered, and screens should be repaired if they were damaged during the storm.

Does Every Post-Hurricane Mosquito Spread Disease?

No. The CDC explains that the large floodwater mosquito populations appearing after hurricanes are generally nuisance mosquitoes. An increase in mosquito-borne illness is not automatically expected simply because flooding occurred.

That does not mean homeowners should ignore mosquito bites. Florida has many mosquito species, and personal protection remains important. Use an EPA-registered repellent, wear protective clothing when appropriate, and follow guidance from local health departments and mosquito control districts. The EPA also recommends an integrated approach to mosquito control that combines multiple prevention and control methods.

How Professional Mosquito Control Helps After a Storm

Professional mosquito control starts with the property. A trained technician can evaluate how the storm affected drainage, landscaping, shaded resting areas, fence lines, pool spaces, and outdoor gathering areas.

During post-storm evaluations, SWAT technicians look for new water collection points, shifted equipment, damaged lines, dense vegetation, and areas that may need additional attention. This first-hand property review helps determine whether the existing mosquito control system is operating correctly and whether coverage needs to be adjusted.

Mosquito control services work best as part of a layered plan. Homeowners remove standing water and debris, local agencies address community-level mosquito populations, and professional service provides targeted backyard mosquito control around the areas the family uses most.

Learn more about SWAT mosquito misting systems or request a free estimate.

The Bottom Line

Hurricanes do not create mosquitoes out of nowhere. They flood dormant eggs, leave standing water, and create the conditions mosquitoes need to develop. The increase may happen days or weeks after the storm, making early cleanup and mosquito prevention services especially important.

If mosquitoes are making storm cleanup or backyard time difficult, call 1-866-900-SWAT to learn how professional mosquito control can help protect your Florida property.

About SWAT Mosquito Systems®

Since 2006, SWAT Mosquito Systems® has helped Florida homeowners protect their outdoor spaces through custom mosquito misting system design, installation, monitoring, and maintenance. Our licensed team understands Florida storm conditions and designs mosquito control solutions around each property.

Sources

CDC, What to Do After a Hurricane or Flood: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/response/index.html

CDC, Mosquito Control at Home: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-control/mosquito-control-at-home.html

UF/IFAS, What to Know About Mosquitoes and Hurricane Recovery: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2022/10/01/what-to-know-about-mosquitoes-and-hurricane-recovery/

EPA, Success in Mosquito Control: https://www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol/success-mosquito-control-integrated-approach

Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Season and Mosquitoes: Why Populations Surge After Florida Storms

Why are mosquitoes worse after a hurricane?

Flooding can trigger floodwater mosquito eggs to hatch, while standing water left behind gives other mosquitoes places to lay eggs and develop.

How long after a hurricane do mosquitoes increase?

Timing varies, but mosquito populations often increase during the days and weeks after flooding. Continued standing water can support additional mosquito development.

Should I spray immediately after a hurricane?

Wait until conditions are safe and follow all product labels. Begin by removing standing water and debris. A licensed professional can evaluate the property and recommend appropriate mosquito control services.

Does county mosquito control protect my backyard?

Local mosquito control programs help reduce community-level populations. Homeowners still need to remove standing water and may choose professional backyard mosquito control for targeted protection around their property.

How Florida Rain Affects Backyard Mosquito Control

If your backyard feels noticeably more mosquito-filled after several days of Florida rain, you are not imagining it. Summer storms leave water in places homeowners see, such as buckets and birdbaths, and in places they rarely check, such as clogged gutters, landscape drains, grill covers, and the saucers beneath planters. That water gives mosquitoes what they need to complete the early stages of their life cycle.

The short answer is simple: rain creates more places for mosquitoes to develop, while Florida’s warmth helps the cycle move quickly. Removing standing water is an important first step, but it does not address every shaded resting area or adult mosquito already moving through the property. That is why many homeowners combine weekly yard checks with backyard mosquito control services designed for their specific outdoor space.

Why Does Rain Cause More Mosquitoes in Florida?

Mosquitoes go through four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s mosquito life cycle guidance, the first three stages occur in water. Depending on the species, eggs may be placed directly on water, inside a container that later fills, or on damp ground that floods after rain.

Florida’s rainy season repeatedly refreshes those habitats. A flowerpot saucer that is emptied on Monday can be refilled during Tuesday’s storm. A low spot in the lawn may stay wet for days. Water trapped in a corrugated drainpipe can remain out of sight. When rain continues throughout the week, homeowners are not dealing with one isolated breeding event. They are dealing with new opportunities for mosquitoes across the property.

How Soon Do Mosquitoes Appear After Heavy Rain?

The increase is not always immediate. UF/IFAS guidance on mosquitoes after heavy rain notes that some floodwater mosquito populations can rise dramatically one to two weeks after heavy rainfall. Timing varies by species, temperature, and local conditions, but the practical lesson is the same: a quiet yard the morning after a storm does not mean the mosquito pressure is over.

This delay is one reason mosquitoes can seem to appear all at once. Several breeding sites may produce adults around the same time, while damp vegetation and shaded areas give those adults places to rest during the day.

7 Mosquito Breeding Areas Homeowners Often Miss

1. Gutters and downspout extensions

Leaves and roof debris can slow drainage and leave shallow pockets of water. Downspout extensions and corrugated pipes can also hold water between storms.

2. Plant saucers and decorative pots

The pot may look dry while the tray beneath it stays wet. Check planters near patios, lanais, entryways, and pool decks.

3. Pool and patio accessories

Pool toys, folded umbrellas, furniture covers, and storage bins can collect water in small creases. A maintained swimming pool is usually not the main issue. The overlooked items around it often are.

4. Grill covers and outdoor kitchens

A sagging grill cover can create a small basin. Outdoor sinks, drip trays, and rarely used coolers should also be checked after storms.

5. Landscape drains and low areas

French drains, catch basins, dense ground cover, and low spots can stay damp long after the visible puddles disappear.

6. Children’s toys and pet items

Wagons, playhouses, buckets, water tables, and pet bowls can refill quickly. Store them upside down or under cover when possible.

7. Bromeliads and water-holding plants

Some plants naturally hold water between their leaves. Florida homeowners with tropical landscaping should include these plants in their regular yard inspection.

What Homeowners Should Do After Several Days of Rain

Walk the property once the weather clears and follow the CDC’s mosquito control guidance for the home: empty, scrub, turn over, cover, or discard items that hold water. Clear gutters and drains, refresh pet water, empty plant saucers, and look beneath covers. Repair damaged screens and use an EPA-registered repellent when needed.

These steps reduce breeding opportunities, but they cannot stop mosquitoes from neighboring properties or public areas from entering your yard. They also do not target every adult mosquito resting under leaves, shrubs, decks, and shaded structures. During peak season, prevention works best as a layered plan.

How Professional Mosquito Control Helps During Rainy Season

Professional mosquito control begins with the property itself. A trained technician can look at landscaping, water features, patios, pool areas, fence lines, and the way your family uses the yard. The goal is to identify likely mosquito activity zones and build a control plan around them.

During a SWAT property evaluation, technicians pay close attention to drainage, dense vegetation, fence lines, covered patios, pool equipment areas, and other places that can stay damp or shaded after rain. Those site-specific details help determine where mosquito pressure is likely to build and where a custom system can provide the most useful coverage.

Learn more about SWAT mosquito misting systems, view our Florida service areas, or request a free estimate.

SWAT Mosquito Systems® has protected Florida homes from biting insects since 2006. Our licensed team designs, installs, and maintains custom automatic mosquito misting systems. Low-profile nozzles are placed around active outdoor areas, and the system is programmed to mist at strategic times. Homeowners can also use remote or smartphone controls, while system features such as real-time monitoring, leak detection, and agitation support reliable operation.

A misting system does not replace good property maintenance, and no outdoor treatment can promise that a mosquito will never enter the yard. What it can provide is consistent, targeted control during the weeks when repeated rain makes do it yourself difficult to maintain.

The Bottom Line

Florida rain does more than create visible puddles. It fills hidden containers, activates eggs, and supports the aquatic stages of the mosquito life cycle. The best response is to remove water every week, keep screens and outdoor areas maintained, and use professional mosquito control when you want more consistent coverage.

Ready to take back your outdoor living space? Contact SWAT Mosquito Systems® for a free estimate on a custom mosquito misting system or call 1-866-900-SWAT.

About SWAT Mosquito Systems®

Since 2006, SWAT Mosquito Systems® has helped Florida homeowners protect their outdoor spaces through custom mosquito misting system design, installation, and maintenance. Our licensed team understands how Florida rain, heat, humidity, and landscaping affect mosquito activity and designs solutions around each property.

Sources

U.S. EPA, Mosquito Life Cycle: https://www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol/mosquito-life-cycle

CDC, Mosquito Control at Home: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-control/mosquito-control-at-home.html

UF/IFAS, When the Rain Brings the Giants: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/okaloosaco/2026/06/24/when-the-rain-brings-the-giants/

Frequently Asked Questions About How Florida Rain Affects Backyard Mosquito Control

Why are mosquitoes worse after several days of rain?

Repeated rain creates and refills breeding sites. Because mosquito development takes time, homeowners may notice the largest increase several days or even a week or two after the heaviest rain, depending on the species and conditions.

Can mosquitoes breed in a swimming pool?

A properly maintained and circulated pool is generally less attractive than stagnant water. Problems are more likely in pool covers, toys, clogged drains, neglected spas, and containers around the pool deck.

Is emptying standing water enough to control mosquitoes?

It is one of the most important prevention steps, but it may not address adult mosquitoes, hidden water, or mosquitoes arriving from nearby areas. Many Florida homeowners use source reduction together with professional control.

Do automatic mosquito misting systems work after rain?

A professionally installed system provides scheduled, targeted applications throughout peak season. The program and placement should be customized and maintained by a licensed provider based on the property and product label.

Plant-based Mosquito Misting Systems for Florida Families

Florida families spend a lot of time outside. Pool days, backyard dinners, birthday parties, grilling, and relaxing evenings on the patio are all part of life in Florida.

Mosquitoes can make those moments frustrating fast.

For many homeowners, the goal is not just getting rid of mosquitoes. It is finding mosquito protection that feels like a good fit for the way their family uses the backyard.

That is one reason more homeowners are asking about plant-based mosquito misting systems.

What Is a Plant-based Mosquito Misting System?

A plant-based mosquito misting system is an automated system that uses a plant-based mosquito control solution to help reduce mosquito activity around the property.

The system is professionally installed and customized for the home. Nozzles are placed around key mosquito resting areas such as landscaping, patios, pool areas, fences, outdoor kitchens, and backyard gathering spaces.

The system operates on a schedule, helping provide consistent protection without the homeowner needing to spray the yard manually.

Why Florida Families Are Looking for Plant-based Mosquito Control

Florida homeowners want outdoor spaces that feel comfortable, usable, and protected.

They also want mosquito control options that work with family life. That includes kids playing outside, pets spending time in the yard, guests coming over, and outdoor spaces being used every week.

A professionally installed plant-based mosquito misting system can be a strong option for homeowners who want dependable mosquito control with a solution designed for residential outdoor spaces.

Why Consistency Matters During Florida Mosquito Season

Mosquito control in Florida is not a one time problem.

Rain, heat, humidity, and landscaping create ongoing mosquito pressure. New mosquitoes can develop quickly after rainfall, especially when standing water collects around the home.

Candles, sprays, and traps may help temporarily, but they do not provide consistent protection across the entire outdoor living space.

A mosquito misting system is designed to operate automatically, helping control mosquitoes before they take over the backyard.

Where a Plant-based Mosquito Misting System Can Help

Every property is different, but common treatment areas include:

  • Pools
  • Patios
  • Outdoor kitchens
  • Lanais
  • Fences
  • Landscaping
  • Pergolas
  • Backyard seating areas
  • Pool equipment zones

By targeting the places where mosquitoes rest, a misting system helps reduce activity where families spend the most time.

Is a Plant-based Mosquito Misting System Right for Your Home?

If mosquitoes are keeping your family inside, cutting pool time short, or making backyard dinners uncomfortable, a mosquito misting system may be a good fit.

SWAT Mosquito Systems® designs systems based on your property, your outdoor living spaces, and your mosquito concerns. The goal is simple: help Florida families enjoy their backyards again.

Call 866-900-SWAT to learn more about plant-based mosquito misting systems for your Florida home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plant-based Mosquito Misting Systems for Florida Families

What is a plant-based mosquito misting system?

It is an automated mosquito misting system that uses a plant-based mosquito control solution to help reduce mosquito activity around outdoor living spaces.

Is a plant-based mosquito misting system safe around kids and pets?

When professionally installed, maintained, and used according to label directions, mosquito misting systems can be used around residential outdoor spaces.

Does plant-based mosquito control work in Florida?

Yes. A professionally designed system can help provide consistent mosquito protection around Florida backyards, pools, patios, and outdoor living areas.

Where are mosquito misting nozzles installed?

Nozzles are commonly installed around landscaping, fences, patios, pools, outdoor kitchens, lanais, and other mosquito resting areas.

About SWAT Mosquito Systems®

Since 2006, SWAT Mosquito Systems® has helped Florida homeowners protect their outdoor spaces through custom mosquito misting system design, installation, and maintenance. Our team understands Florida’s mosquito pressure and designs solutions tailored to each property.