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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Drain and Cover: Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites

Contact Us

  •  850-316-2752
  •  

    Mailing Address

    Fairfield Service Center, 1295 West Fairfield Drive, Pensacola, Florida 32501 

     

     


Drain and Cover to protect yourself from mosquito bites and the dangerous diseases they carry. 

Mosquitoes can spread illness. Protect yourself. Spray. Cover. Drain.

Drain standing water from: 

  • Garbage cans
  • Pool covers
  • Flower pots
  • Buckets and watering cans
  • Kiddie pools

Practice these tips to avoid mosquito breeding: 

  • Discard old tires, bottles, pots, broken appliances, and other items that may collect water.
  • Empty and clean birdbaths and pets’ water bowls at least twice a week.
  • Remove leaves and other items that can hold small amounts of water.
  • Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not accumulate water.
  • Maintain swimming pools in good condition and with appropriate chlorination.

These simple steps can prevent mosquitoes from living and multiplying around your home.

Cover your skin with clothing or insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites. 

  • Choose insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. 
  • For more information on what repellent is right for you, consider using the Environmental Protection Agency’s search tool to help you choose skin-applied repellent products. 

  • Always follow the directions on the product you are using.
  • Apply repellent whenever you are going outdoors. Even if you do not notice mosquitoes there is a good chance they are around.
  • Re-apply repellent if you are bitten by mosquitoes, or after sweating or getting wet.
  • For children, spray your hands first and then rub the repellent on the child’s skin. Use mosquito netting for children under two months of age.

 

Additional Resources 

CDC: West Nile Virus

Drain and Cover Poster/Flyer(294 KB; pdf)

Environmental Protection Agency Mosquito Control

Escambia County Mosquito Control Division: 850-937-2188

West Nile Virus Fact Sheet (30.9kb; pdf)

Location & Contact Information  

Fairfield Service Center, 1295 West Fairfield Drive

The CHEN office is open Monday - Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Call 850-316-2752 for more information.