Swamp Angels: A Local History of Mosquitoes

For thousands of years, mosquitoes and the diseases they carry have influenced historical events around the world—giving tiny mosquitoes a giant impact on our history. Explorers, soldiers, and residents of Southwest Florida have been battling these “swamp angels” since humans stepped on the peninsula. Over 40 species live in Collier County, and controlling the pests has been a serious industry for over 70 years. Although the traditional diseases from mosquitoes such as malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever have largely been eliminated here, new dangers such as Zika and West Nile Virus continue to threaten our population.