Seventy-five years ago, the Florida Legislature created the Naples Mosquito Control District to help residents cope with relentless black salt marsh mosquitoes. Today, known as the Collier Mosquito Control District, our mission remains as vital as ever: protecting the public’s health and quality of life in one of the most mosquito-challenging environments in the country.
This year proved why our work matters. The same salt marsh mosquitoes that drove the District’s creation swarmed our coast by the trillions. This triggered more than 3,000 service requests in June alone. Our team responded quickly, monitoring activity around the clock and providing much-needed relief from these aggressive biters.
While we still manage nuisance salt marsh mosquitoes every year, public health remains our highest priority. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals in the world, responsible for up to 750,000 deaths each year. Here in Collier County, we have mosquito species capable of transmitting malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, West Nile virus and other dangerous diseases. These threats have shaped Florida’s history, and our ability to manage mosquito populations is a cornerstone of keeping our community safe.
The stakes are only growing. Collier County’s population is approaching 400,000 residents, and millions more visit each year to enjoy our warm weather and natural beauty. It is often said that you couldn’t live here without air conditioning and mosquito control, and the truth of that statement becomes more apparent every year. Our region’s economy depends on tourism and the promise of an outdoor lifestyle. None of that would be possible without effective mosquito control, especially in a subtropical environment where mosquito season never ends.
Our proximity to the Everglades creates ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes year-round. Yet because of decades of research, innovation and rigorous fieldwork, our community enjoys a level of safety and comfort that earlier generations could only imagine. Mosquito control is not merely a convenience; it is one of the core reasons Collier County remains a desirable place to live, work and visit.
As I conclude my first year serving on the Collier Mosquito Control District Board of Commissioners, I continue to be impressed by the professionalism and dedication of our staff. Whether they are analyzing new products, conducting surveillance, engaging with residents or responding rapidly to mosquito reports, the team consistently demonstrates why our District is considered a leader in mosquito control.
Looking ahead, Collier County will face ongoing challenges ranging from population growth to evolving mosquito behavior and changing environmental conditions. Yet the District’s commitment to innovation and preparedness ensures we honor the public health mandate established 75 years ago and continue protecting this community for decades to come.
Reg Buxton is chairman, Collier Mosquito Control District Board of Commissioners.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: 75 years later – Mosquito Control still a vital service | Opinion
Reporting by Reg Buxton / Naples Daily News
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