COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — The Collier Mosquito Control District (CMCD) said that in rural communities, including Ave Maria, Immokalee, and Eastern Golden Gate Estates, mosquito populations are as high as they are during the height of the rainy season.

“I’ve had to stock up on bug spray, I’ve always had to wear long pants; it’s just the worst. I feel like they’re just kind of kicking us out of our home,” said Taylor Curry-Stokes, of Naples.

CMCD blames a combination of fall rain showers and El Nino for the uptick in population.

“In areas such as Immokalee, we have 250 mosquitos on our map. That’s 250 mosquitos that are landing on someone in 5 minutes. So, it really puts in perspective how bad the mosquito populations are in that area,” said Dr. Keira Lucas, the deputy executive director of Collier Mosquito Control.

The district is actively conducting surveillance but cannot utilize planes and Dibrom spraying techniques during colder nights.

“Once the weather gets below about 60 degrees, our treatment materials are not as effective we don’t send our planes up at that time,” added Dr. Lucas.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs and multiply in standing water, regardless of the size of the vessel. CMCD encourages all to be vigilant and remove standing water from tires, bird baths, tools, abandoned pools, and more.

“It’s really ridiculous. I expect it more in the summertime .. but hey, it’s Florida. What can you expect,” joked Curry-Stokes.

They also offer mosquito-eating fish free of charge, available for pickup at their headquarters near the Naples Airport.

CMCD expects to be able to continue spraying techniques as the cold front lifts around the end of the week.