Volusia County Mosquito Control, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County, is ramping up efforts to combat mosquitoes by eliminating old tires, where mosquitoes often lay eggs. Residents can drop off up to 20 tires per person at no cost during three upcoming tire amnesty events.
The events will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in several locations across the county.
- Saturday, Oct. 14, at Daytona International Speedway, Lot #4, 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. Lot #4 can be accessed through the intersection of Midway Avenue and Richard Petty Boulevard.
- Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Volusia County Mosquito Control Facility, 801 South St., New Smyrna Beach
- Saturday, Jan. 13, at the Volusia County Road and Bridge equipment staging site at the intersection of Blackburn Road and South County Road 3 in Pierson
Entrances to events will be marked with flags and staff will be onsite to guide residents to a drive-thru, drop-off route.
In addition to disposing of old tires, the most important step a resident can take to help fight the bite is to tip containers with standing water at least once a week. Additional tips to prevent mosquito bites include:
- Toss bottles, cans, pots, and broken appliances.
- Replace water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least once a week.
- Don’t overwater the lawn.
- Clean out eaves, troughs, and gutters.
- Drain water from boats and tarps.
- Maintain the proper chemistry in swimming pools.
- Empty plastic pools when not in use.
For more information about tire amnesty events, call 386-424-2920. To learn more about mosquito control or submit a request for service, visit https://www.volusia.org/mosquito.
-Heather Belden