Pasco Mosquito Control Expands Treatments Amid Dengue Outbreak

WESLEY CHAPEL / PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Pasco mosquito control crews expanded their response this week, adding low-flying planes to the district’s usual helicopters and truck treatments. The Pasco County Mosquito Control District says the added resources respond to the ongoing dengue outbreak in the Greater Tampa Bay region, West Nile virus activity in Pasco and a surge in mosquitoes after recent rainfall.

What Is Happening

Beginning Monday, Oct. 19, contractor Vector Disease Control International began aerial treatments targeting adult mosquitoes, with flights scheduled from about 6:30 p.m. to midnight and the possibility of continuing into Tuesday night. The district says the contractor can use up to four small fixed-wing planes. The company typically flies these missions about 300 feet above the ground. Pasco’s announcement doesn’t name the product being used. Tampa Free Press reports the supplemental operation is funded through the state agriculture department’s emergency resources.

Where Crews Are Working

According to The Pasco Signal’s account of the district’s announcement, the treatment map includes areas in Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills, and not every neighborhood in those communities is affected. The district posts daily treatment information, including maps, at pascomosquito.org/daily-treatments.

Ground Treatments Continue

The district also posted nightly truck-based ultra-low-volume treatments through at least Oct. 21, weather permitting. On Thursday, Oct. 22, the Dade City Police Department warned residents about a low-flying helicopter during daytime hours as part of the district’s scheduled treatments.

What the District Is Prioritizing

For now, the district says it is focusing its resources on wide-area mosquito control and disease response rather than individual service requests. Locally acquired dengue cases have been reported across Tampa Bay, including in Pasco, according to the Florida Department of Health.

What Residents Can Do

Check the district’s daily treatment page before evening plans. The district’s Homeowner Tips page lists steps to reduce mosquitoes around your home, starting with removing standing water.

📍 Pasco County, including treatment areas in Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes and Zephyrhills 

📅 Aerial treatments began Oct. 19, 2026 | Ground treatments posted through at least Oct. 21