At LCMCD, we lab-rear Aedes aegypti mosquitoes which are commonly found in urban neighborhoods such as yours. Once at the pupae life stage, we X-ray the males which causes sterilization. These sterile adult male mosquitoes are then released into the environment to mate with wild females. The eggs laid by female mosquitoes will not hatch which will reduce the mosquito population. For population reduction LCMCD releases sterile male mosquitoes which do not bite. Only the female mosquito bites!

NO! Sterilization is achieved through X-ray irradiation and requires no genetic manipulation of the organism. The X-rays used are the same as those used in medical practices.

Aedes aegypti, an exotic invasive mosquito, is targeted. This species of mosquito can carry many viruses, including yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. It is an urban mosquito which means it breeds around homes and prefers to feed on humans. They are difficult to control by conventional methods (insecticide application and source reduction) due to their use of containers and daytime biting habits.

Male mosquitoes are separated out from females prior to their release. However, an exceedingly small number of females may be released with males. These females are no different from the local population except that they are sterile. There will not be an overall increase in biting mosquitoes due to releases.

You might experience an increased number of mosquitoes right after a release. While it may be an annoyance (mosquitoes are pests!), LCMCD releases male mosquitoes which do not bite.

Sterile male Ae. aegypti will be released near Centennial Park (downtown) to south of Fort Myers High School. Neighborhoods where releases are planned include West 1^st Street, Altamont Manor, Edison Park, Poinciana Park, Valencia Terrace, and Sunset Park. This area is subject to change.

Click HERE to see the current treatment area.

While Ae. aegypti can be found through much of Lee County, this area was selected for releases due to the known abundance of the population. Prior to selection of this area, LCMCD trapped five candidate sites that also had known populations of Ae. aegypti. This area had the most Ae. aegypti present and the most even distribution of the population, indicating that additional mosquito control measures were needed to help suppress these mosquitoes.

Generally, releases will occur twice per week. We plan on releasing Tuesdays and Fridays, but this schedule may change based on weather or other complicating factors.

This is ongoing, rather than an immediate mosquito control method. We are currently not able to set an end date. That being said, we may adjust release amounts and frequency depending on the feedback we get from our traps.

Source reduction is the key! Aedes aegypti need standing water in containers to breed. These can be natural (ex. bromeliads) or man-made (ex. flowerpots, clogged gutters, rain barrels, etc.), Ae. aegypti aren’t picky. Because sterile males are attracted to areas where female Ae. aegypti are present, the best way to make sure that they don’t stay around is to limit breeding sites. Please consider ways that you can help us help you.

The SIT program follows rigorous documentation for quality and effectiveness. Released mosquitoes are dusted with fluorescent powder. Traps for adult mosquitoes and for eggs are strategically mapped and placed around the neighborhood. The mosquitoes and eggs collected in the traps are analyzed and recorded which helps us determine our impact on the population of Ae. aegypti.

Great! We have already seen significant impacts and a reduction in the population of Ae. aegypti in the areas where we have been releasing. We are expecting an even greater reduction in the population this year.