Dengue spreads in Florida, a Hartford mice case, and more
A roundup of 4 pest-control stories on mosquitoes and rodents.
We may earn a small commission if you buy through our Amazon links, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This roundup covers 4 stories on mosquitoes and rodents.
Florida dengue outbreak reaches Broward County as federal bills advance
Florida has reported local dengue transmission in 2026. The outbreak is the largest in the contemporary U.S., and Broward County has a confirmed case.
Dengue spreads primarily through infected Aedes mosquitoes. It can cause severe illness and death.
The Senate bill, S. 5213, dates to August 3, 2026. H.R. 10233 dates to September 2, 2026. Sen. Rick Scott, who represents Florida, supports the Senate bill.
What it means for you: Dengue spreads primarily through infected Aedes mosquitoes. Mosquito bites are the main route to keep in mind around your Florida home. Mosquito dunks can help with mosquitoes and are good to have on hand around the yard.
Source: PA TIMES Online
Florida reports 296 local dengue cases, with most in Hillsborough County
Florida has nearly 300 locally acquired dengue cases. A surveillance report for the week ending Oct. 3 counted 296, and 259 of them are in Hillsborough County. The outbreak is the largest in the continental US since the 1940s. Florida also has 262 travel-acquired cases in 2026.
Dengue spreads mainly through bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain. No specific medicine treats dengue, and severe dengue can become life-threatening.
Tampa Family Health Centers tested 22 people for dengue. The centers referred seven positive results to the Florida Department of Health. Direct Relief supplied over 1,000 units of PMD 20% insect repellent, and staff set up tables to hand out repellent and information. (Direct Relief)
What it means for you: Aedes mosquitoes spread dengue through bites, so a repellent such as PMD 20% is the protection this story names. (Direct Relief) Permethrin clothing spray can help with mosquitoes and is good to keep in your gear closet.
Source: Direct Relief
Mice infestation pushes a Hartford family out of their apartment
A mice infestation forced a family out of their apartment in Hartford, Connecticut. The family's mother describes the situation.
The ledger holds no further details about the building, the cause, or what happens next, so this item stays limited to that single reported outcome.
Source: NBC Connecticut
Related reading: How to keep mice out of your house with steel wool and traps, Do mousetraps work? Snap traps vs. sound repellers.
Animal rights group urges Philadelphia to use rat birth control instead of poison
PETA, an animal rights group, urges the Philadelphia mayor to put the city's rats on birth control. The group says birth control is a more humane way to control rats. It also says extermination is cruel and does not work.
PETA states that poison creates a temporary vacuum that rats will fill. Some cities have rat birth control programs.
People in affected Philadelphia neighborhoods report damage to car wiring. A resolution declares an emergency, and the City Council is in the story.
What it means for you: People in affected Philadelphia neighborhoods report rat damage to car wiring. That is the home risk the story names. Homeowners dealing with rodents may want steel wool gap filler on hand, since it can help with those pests.
Source: PhillyVoice
What we'd use
We check every fact against the sources cited here. See how we research.