With mosquito populations already on the rise, Gainesville’s Mosquito Control division started spraying last week after new breeding grounds were left in the aftermath of Hurricane Debby.

According to a city of Gainesville release, Hurricane Debby left behind new pools of standing water for the mosquito population to find new places to breed.

City staff is asking people to help battle the mosquito populations by draining containers or any items on their property that may have collected water during the storm. These include tire swings, discarded tires, boat covers, tarps and saucers under potted plants.

Anyone with retention ponds on their property can contact the division, which will provide mosquito-eating fish free of charge. Call 352-393-8287 for fish placement.

The division’s treatment schedule is available by clicking here. People who do not want their property sprayed can be added to the courtesy list by calling 352-393-8287.

More than 650 breeding sites throughout Gainesville are actively monitored by the Mosquito Control division for mosquito larvae. The sites include roadside ditches, low-lying regions, retention ponds and areas prone to flooding.

People can help document local flooding by clicking here to submit photos to the city’s online Flood Reporter Application. The floodwaters may contain debris, bacteria or other pollutants. The division requests that you take the photos from dry land.