Polk County is a confirmed active zone for Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito) and Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) — the primary vectors for Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever in the southeastern United States — along with Culex species (West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis vectors) and Anopheles species. The Polk County Mosquito Control District, headquartered in Bartow (telephone 863-534-7377), operates an active surveillance and adulticiding program — but residential mosquito pressure on individual yards typically requires private treatment as well. Call the number below to be connected with an FDACS-licensed mosquito control operator serving Lakeland and Polk County.
The dispatched operator assesses yard conditions, identifies harborage areas, sets up treatment, and provides ongoing service plans for recurring mosquito pressure.
Mosquito Species Active in Polk County
Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito): Daytime biter. Small, dark with white markings. Primary vector for Zika (locally transmitted cases documented in Florida 2016), dengue (recurring), chikungunya, and yellow fever. Breeds in artificial containers — plant saucers, gutters, tire piles, buckets, tarps, birdbaths.
Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito): Aggressive daytime biter with distinct black-and-white striping on legs. Same disease vector profile as Aedes aegypti. Highly adaptable. Major Polk County concern in residential yards with dense vegetation.
Culex species (Southern house mosquito, etc.): Primarily night/dusk biters. Vectors for West Nile Virus (active in Florida every season), Eastern Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis. Breeds in stagnant standing water — ditches, neglected pool water, abandoned pools, retention ponds.
Anopheles species: Historical malaria vectors, low-grade ongoing concern. Primarily dusk-active.
Why Polk County Has High Mosquito Pressure
Climate. Polk County’s 50–55 inches of annual rainfall, mean humidity ~75%, and ~325 frost-free days create extended mosquito activity windows — typically March through November, with year-round activity in warmer winters.
Geography. Polk County’s Chain of Lakes (Winter Haven), the Lake Wales Ridge sandhill lakes system, hundreds of smaller bodies of water, agricultural drainage ditches, retention ponds throughout subdivisions, and the swampy edges of the Green Swamp create extensive mosquito breeding habitat.
Agriculture. Polk County is one of Florida’s largest citrus producers and a significant cattle ranching area. Agricultural standing water, irrigation drainage, and cattle watering systems contribute to localized mosquito populations.
Polk County Mosquito Control District (Bartow): Operates surveillance traps, larviciding (Bti — Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis — pellets and granules), aerial ULV adulticiding via Beechcraft AT-802F aircraft, and ground-based truck ULV adulticiding. The district covers approximately 2,011 square miles. Residents can request service or report mosquito activity at 863-534-7377.
Treatment Approaches
Yard Spray Treatment (Most Common)
The dispatched operator treats yard perimeter, vegetation, and harborage areas with EPA-registered pesticides. Common active ingredients: bifenthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin. Treatment typically covers 30 feet up into trees and along fence lines.
Frequency: Typically every 3–4 weeks during active season for full control. Monthly minimum. Coverage: Effective for typical residential yards. Treatment lasts 3–4 weeks. Typical Polk County cost: $50–$120 per treatment for single-family residential yard. Annual contracts $400–$900.
In2Care Stations
In2Care mosquito stations attract female Aedes mosquitoes, contaminate them with a larvicide/fungal pathogen, and they spread the contamination to other breeding sites. Particularly effective against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
Cost: $30–$60 per station, requiring 1–2 stations per typical yard.
Mosquito Misting Systems
Permanent installed misting systems with strategically placed nozzles around the property perimeter, activated on timer or manually. Pyrethrin-based misting fluid.
Pros: Continuous coverage, particularly useful for outdoor entertaining areas. Cons: Initial installation $1,500–$5,000+. Recurring fluid refills. Typical Polk County cost: $1,800–$4,500 install, $400–$900/year fluid.
Source Reduction
The dispatched operator identifies and eliminates standing water breeding sites — clearing gutters, treating retention ponds with Bti, removing tire piles, treating birdbaths/plant saucers, addressing low-spot drainage. Often combined with yard spray for full integrated approach.
Special-Event Treatment
Pre-event yard treatment 24–48 hours before outdoor weddings, parties, etc. Higher concentration than regular service.
Typical Polk County cost: $100–$300 for single event.
When To Call
- Aggressive daytime mosquito activity in yard (likely Aedes albopictus or Aedes aegypti)
- Heavy dusk/dawn mosquito swarms (likely Culex)
- Standing water you cannot eliminate (retention ponds, low spots)
- Pre-event treatment for outdoor gathering
- Recurring service plan for whole-season coverage
- Pool or hot tub that has gone abandoned and become a breeding site
Cost Expectations
| Service | Typical Polk County Cost |
|---|---|
| Single yard treatment | $50 – $120 |
| Quarterly mosquito service | $80 – $150 per visit |
| Monthly mosquito service | $50 – $90 per visit |
| Annual mosquito contract | $400 – $900 |
| Misting system installation | $1,800 – $4,500 |
| In2Care station (each) | $30 – $60 |
| Special-event treatment | $100 – $300 |
FDACS Licensing
Mosquito control in Florida falls primarily under General Household Pest Control (GHP) category and Lawn and Ornamental (L&O) category depending on treatment specifics. Full FDACS reference →
Service Areas
The mosquito control operators dispatched through Lakeland Exterminators serve all of Polk County: Lakeland · Winter Haven · Bartow · Plant City · Lake Wales · Auburndale · Haines City · Mulberry · Davenport · Polk City