PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- The mosquito problem in Charlotte County has changed how one man lives his life, trapping him inside his home.
When Fred Macciocchi does venture outside, he gears up. "I've got to wear the mosquito net over my head, a long sleeve shirt and pants. I also wear gloves," said Macciocchi, who moved to Florida from Illinois.
He's just tired of the mosquitoes in Charlotte County making a meal out of him. "The mosquito control says this is the worst mosquito problem in 28 years," he said.
Macciocchi saw the proof when it is just him and his German shepherd, Hank, on the street outside of their home. "They just pretty much disappeared, I'd say it's got to be because of mosquitoes," he said.
But even if they are brave enough to go outside, they don't for very long. "My normal walks used to be around 20 minutes. Now they are down to 5 minutes," he said.
Several mosquitoes swirled around Hank's paw. The bugs forced the 100-pound dog into trying to get them off of him. "He learned the word, 'mosquito' and he doesn't like it," he said. "Hank starts looking around and gets real worried when you mention mosquitoes," he added.
Fred has seen and heard mosquito control spraying overhead a few times this month, but wants more to be done.
"I don't think it's been effective. You got hot and cold layer of air, and they said when you spray under those conditions, it isn't effective," he said.