About Us 

South Walton County Mosquito Control District (SWCMCD) was established on May 26, 1964 by Vernon Bishop and his fellow Lions Club members.  The first Board of Commissioners consisted of Vernon Bishop, Lois Genevieve Maxon, and Edwin R. Walline, lead by the first Director, Aubrey Gilbert, Jr.  Nearly sixty years later, we are still working to protect the community from mosquitoes. 

Historical photo of two men setting up flag pole in front of SWCMCD Business office
L. P. Boone and Vernon Bishop putting up flag pole in front of business office. Photo property of SWCMCD

Headquartered at 774 N County Hwy 393 in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, the district dedicated itself to the control of disease-bearing mosquitoes and other insects for the comfort, health, and prosperity of locals and those visiting the Northwest Florida area. That same dedication still exists today. Therefore, advanced methods of mosquito control such as Surveillance, Larvacide, Adulticide, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Source Reduction, and the Sentinel Chicken Surveillance programs were implemented and are part of our services. 

Currently, there are 44 mosquito control ditches (spanning 31 miles) that we maintain and are  well-preserved via mowing, cleaning, and repairing at least twice a year. Although the ditches were originally developed in the late 1960s for source reduction, they continue to aid in the fight against mosquitoes by lowering the water table, allowing it to perculate instead of remaining on the surface.  

Bulldozer being used to maintain mosquito ditch
Ditch maintenance. Image taken by SWCMCD

Improving through technology ...

In 2022, SWMD established its first aerial program by way of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)/Drone technology. This exciting advancement has greatly enhanced the efficiency, cost effectiveness, and safety of mosquito control operations for the district. 

Two individuals are working together to assemble or adjust a large drone in a wooded outdoor setting.
Photo courtesy of SWMD UAV/Drone Dept.

Benefits of UAS include the following:

  • Minimal human influence on sensitve lands
  • More precise treatments which equals more tax payer value
  • Accurate ecological representation
  • Increased technician and civilian safety
  • Decreased environmental footprint
  • Increased time management and situational awareness

Successful operations were conducted and the effectiveness of UAS technologies proven:

  • Breeding site identification
  • Damage assessments
  • Source site discovery
  • Coordinated treatment efforts
  • Vegetation Correlation 
A van labeled "South Walton Drone Operations" parked in a forested area, with a person near the open door.

We are here to serve the public, to provide information about mosquito control, to respond to service requests, and to keep South Walton County residents updated on the current status of mosquito control operations.