A tire facility in Lehigh Acres is still being monitored by the state and Lee County, amid concerns over the potential spread of the Zika virus in Lehigh Acres.
West Coast Tire Recycling had approximately 200,000 tires on its property, after its tire shredder malfunctioned several months ago.
Tires are a favorite breeding spot for aedes aegypti and aedes albopictus, the two types of mosquito known to be able to carry the Zika virus, said Shelly Redovan of the Lee County Mosquito Control District.
“The tire facility owners are trying to work with the health department, and with us,” said Redovan. “They are treating for the mosquitoes.”
The owners of West Coast Tire Recycling did tell us that they are spraying for mosquito larvae.
Redovan said that it’s important for homeowners to eliminate things outside the home that collect small pockets of water, such as the popular landscaping plant bromeliad.