New mosquito, disease-fighting initiative in Collier County

The Collier Mosquito Control District is initiating a pilot program aimed at utilizing sterilization methods to address the issue of invasive insects in Golden Gate City.

This invasive species has the potential to transmit diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, and it shows resistance to certain conventional mosquito control techniques.

The treatment involves the release of lab-bred sterilized male mosquitoes that will mate with female insects, leading to the production of non-viable eggs.

This action will lead to a reduction in the mosquito population, according to a recent article by Camila Pereira of WINK News.

Golden Gate City was chosen due to the presence of multiple bodies of water in proximity to neighborhoods and businesses, which serve as optimal breeding sites for mosquitoes.

The control district commenced its operations in early January, capturing mosquitoes in the nearby region while gathering data and assessing the population.

If their testing yields positive results, the control district will commence operations in the spring and maintain them through the conclusion of peak mosquito season in the fall.

This article originally appeared on WINK News