Mosquito Season in Florida: Preventing and Treating Bites and Illness

The buzzing starts before you see them. You might be walking your dog, having a backyard barbecue, or just taking out the trash—and suddenly, you’re scratching. Florida’s mosquito season doesn’t just bring itchy bites. It brings real health concerns, especially with the humid summer stretch bringing perfect breeding conditions. If you live anywhere near the Gulf, you already know: mosquito season in Florida isn’t a minor nuisance—it’s a whole season of its own.

From mild skin reactions to more serious illnesses like West Nile Virus or dengue, mosquito bites carry more than a temporary annoyance. And with how fast these pests multiply, it’s not just about prevention—knowing when to seek medical care for symptoms is key. Whether you’re a lifelong Floridian or new to Tampa Bay, now is the time to take mosquito season seriously.

When the Mosquitoes Move In: Florida’s Peak Season

Florida doesn’t get a break from mosquitoes year-round, but summer through early fall is when they show up in full force. High temperatures mixed with stagnant water create the perfect recipe for hatching mosquito eggs—and fast. Even something as small as a bottle cap filled with rainwater can become a breeding ground.

Different types of mosquitoes are active at different times. Some prefer to bite at dawn or dusk, while others—like the Aedes aegypti mosquito—bite all day and are responsible for spreading serious viruses like Zika and dengue. Being outdoors during these hours, especially after rain, puts you right in their path.

Mosquito season typically peaks from right now in June through October, but warmer winters have stretched this timeline in recent years. More rain, warmer nights, and backyard ponds or neglected gutters mean more mosquitos right outside your door.

Itchy, Red, and Annoying: Spotting a Typical Mosquito Bite

Most mosquito bites start the same way: a sudden itch, a red bump, and the urge to scratch. While most reactions are minor, not every bite is harmless. Some bites trigger allergic reactions, infections, or even transmit disease. Knowing how to tell the difference matters.

Here’s how most typical bites appear:

• Red, puffy bump that appears within minutes of being bitten
• Mild itching that can last for a few hours to a few days
• Occasionally a small blister or dark spot if scratched too much

But when does it go beyond normal? If a bite becomes hot to the touch, is extremely swollen, oozes pus, or is accompanied by fever or joint pain, it’s time to pay closer attention.

Watch for These Warning Signs After a Mosquito Bite

Mosquito bites are usually more annoying than dangerous, but not always. If you’re feeling under the weather after a bite, especially during peak season, don’t shrug it off. There are several mosquito-borne illnesses reported in Florida each year—and they can look like other common illnesses at first.

Fever and Headache That Doesn’t Go Away

If a mosquito bite is followed by a persistent headache and a fever that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications, it may be a red flag. West Nile Virus, St. Louis encephalitis, and other mosquito-borne viruses often present with flu-like symptoms early on.

Muscle or Joint Pain

Dengue fever, sometimes called “breakbone fever,” can cause severe muscle and joint aches that leave people feeling immobilized. Even milder strains can lead to fatigue and soreness.

Nausea or Vomiting

These symptoms, particularly when combined with a recent bite and a general feeling of malaise, could indicate something more serious than a local skin reaction.

Rash That Spreads

Some mosquito-related viruses lead to widespread rashes—something people often confuse with a skin allergy. These rashes may not be centered around the bite and can appear on the chest, arms, or legs.

How to Lower Your Risk When Mosquitoes Are Out in Force

Prevention isn’t just about bug spray. While insect repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus can help keep mosquitoes away, your strategy should include a few more steps—especially in high-risk areas or after a lot of rain. Here’s how to reduce your chances of getting bitten:

• Dump standing water: Buckets, flower pots, kiddie pools, and gutters are mosquito magnets. Empty them at least once a week.
• Use window and door screens: Make sure they’re intact and without holes. Mosquitoes only need a small opening.
• Dress smart: Long sleeves and pants help protect your skin, especially in the evening. Light-colored clothing also helps since mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
• Avoid peak hours: Dusk and dawn are mosquito rush hours. Limit outdoor activities during those times when possible.
• Use fans on porches: Mosquitoes are weak fliers. A simple fan on your patio can drastically reduce their ability to bite you while you relax.

Treating Bites at Home—And When You Shouldn’t

Most mosquito bites can be managed with basic home care, but it’s important to treat the itch and swelling correctly to avoid infection or prolonged irritation.

To treat mosquito bites at home:

• Wash the area with soap and water
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Use hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to control itching
• Take oral antihistamines if bites are very itchy or covering a large area

But here’s the part most people ignore: scratching too much can lead to secondary infections. If a bite gets worse over a few days instead of better—especially if it’s warm, red, or oozing—it’s time to see a provider. It’s not uncommon for infected bites to require antibiotic treatment.

Serious Conditions Transmitted by Mosquitoes in Florida

Florida sees cases of mosquito-borne illnesses nearly every year. While many are rare, public health departments often issue advisories when there’s a spike. Knowing the names of these illnesses can help you spot symptoms early.

• West Nile Virus: Can lead to neurological complications, especially in older adults
• Dengue Fever: Often seen in southern Florida, dengue can cause rash, bleeding, and joint pain
• Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE): Rare but extremely serious; can cause brain swelling
• St. Louis Encephalitis: Causes fever and brain inflammation
• Chikungunya: Causes joint swelling and intense pain, sometimes lingering for weeks

Most of these viruses don’t have specific cures, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms. That’s why early diagnosis is so important—especially if you’ve been exposed to mosquitoes in high-risk areas.

Need Mosquito Bite Treatment in Carrollwood? We’re Nearby

If you’re dealing with an infected mosquito bite, flu-like symptoms, or unexplained rashes and you live near Carrollwood, help is closer than you think. TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track offers fast, expert-level evaluation for mosquito-related concerns—especially during peak season.

Our Carrollwood Urgent Care clinic is located at 4505 Gunn Highway in Tampa, right near Publix at Carrollwood Square and just down the road from the Carrollwood Cultural Center. We see patients every day for concerns like red, swollen bites, allergic reactions, and more.

We make it easy to walk in or check in online. Whether your symptoms started yesterday or have been getting worse all week, our providers are here to help you feel better—fast.

Come In for Care When It Matters Most: Mosquito Bite Treatment in Carrollwood

Mosquito bites may feel like a Florida inevitability, but that doesn’t mean you should brush off symptoms when they go beyond itchy. A single bite can carry risks, and catching mosquito-borne illnesses early leads to better outcomes.

TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track has many locations across Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties, all open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. With Save My Spot e-Check-in, you can complete your forms ahead of time and reduce your wait. If you’re not sure whether your symptoms are from a bug bite or something more serious, don’t wait it out—visit your closest location and let our team help.