Master Gardener Volunteers help hand out a $2.3 million donation after Hurricane Ian
Master Gardener Volunteers from across Florida helped to spread some relief from mosquitoes to residents suffering after Hurricane Ian. They partnered with the Inzecto Company, UF/IFAS Extension offices, mosquito control districts and county parks and recreation centers to distribute a UF designed mosquito trap.
The traps offered some protection to residents in four Florida counties struggling with large mosquito populations due to floodwaters left behind by the hurricane's rain and storm surge.
The Inzecto Mosquito Trap is an easy-to-use, environmentally friendly, and effective mosquito-killing device. The Gainesville-based company donated 100,000 traps, valued at $2.3 million, in October of 2022 to help residents in Orange, Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties. Designed to protect American soldiers serving overseas from insectborne disease, the traps can provide protection and relief from mosquitoes after major weather events where there is limited or no power. They also have no impact on beneficial insects like bees and other pollinators because non-target insects are not attracted to the traps.
More than 30 Master Gardener Volunteers turned out to help pass out the traps and teach residents how to use them. They were able to mobilize so many so quickly because of the established network of 4,000 volunteers that are part of the program. The Master Gardener Volunteers who participated say they are proud to have been part of the relief effort and hope to see Southwest Florida back in full bloom.
This story appears in the UF/IFAS Center for Land Use Efficiency's annual report (pdf),and is based on an article by Karen Dooley. Visit the CLUE website to learn more about the Master Gardener Volunteer program's home department.