The Collier Mosquito Control District is battling an invasion of salt marsh mosquitoes throughout the county by stepping aerial spraying to fight the pests. People who have lived in the area for decades said they can't recall ever seeing the mosquitoes in such big swarms.
"It's like they'll follow you right into the house," said Julie Thomas of Marco Island. "They kind of stay attached to you."
She said kids seem to be getting the worst of the mosquito bites.
"My littlest granddaughter is going to be three, and I've never seen so many bites," Thomas said. "It's been pretty tough for children here especially."
The staggering numbers of salt marsh mosquitoes resulted from recent high tides that flooded mangrove areas in the southern part of Collier County, and the breed has been active day and night.
The Collier Mosquito Control District sprayed parts of Golden Gate Estates Monday night, and will spray again Tuesday night, then continue in other parts of the county - including Naples - over the next few days.
The salt marsh mosquito does not carry the Zika virus, but it can transmit heart worms. The mosquitoes can travel dozens of miles on wind currents from the swampy mangroves where they breed, which is why people throughout the county are having to deal with them.
