Florida’s mosquitoes can make you sick: Here’s how to protect yourself

Mosquitoes aren’t just a nuisance. They can also pass on pathogens through their bites, potentially causing serious illness.

Florida’s subtropical climate and variety of habitat make it a haven for mosquitoes. As a hub for tourism and global travel, the state can act as a petri dish for mosquito-borne diseases, including those from other parts of the world.

Mosquitoes are particularly active in Florida from late spring to early fall when temperatures are in the upper 70s to 90s.

As Florida enters peak mosquito season, experts from the University of Florida’s Emerging Pathogens Institute outline key mosquito species and diseases to know; changes in the state’s disease risk and transmission trends; and the most effective ways to protect yourself.

“Every mosquito bite is a chance to get infected,” said medical geographer Sadie Ryan, an associate professor in UF’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and an EPI member. “It's important to be aware of local disease risks and take preventative measures to protect yourself.”