Welcome to the Disease Vector Education Center!

Upon arrival, our staff will greet you, assist with check-in, review guidelines, and introduce today’s programs. Before you leave, be sure to stop by our gift shop for unique insect-themed treasures.

Mosquito Habitats and Food Sources in Florida!

This section provides insights into the various habitats where mosquitoes breed and the food sources that sustain them. This section also features digital tablets that offer detailed information and captivating visuals. Feel free to explore and interact with the tablets to gain a deeper understanding of mosquito habitats in Florida.

Don’t forget to grab a mailbox brochure!

Here, you will have the opportunity to observe the fascinating life cycle of mosquitoes. We have a live insectary featuring Elephant Mosquitoes, digital microscopes for closer examination, 3D models of mosquito eggs, and a video demonstration of a Culex mosquito laying eggs.  Don’t forget to peak into our podium display with various mosquito specimens.

In this section, you will explore the history of vector-borne diseases. An interactive map and detective games will provide you with a deeper understanding of the impact these diseases have had on human populations. Follow a timeline from the Early Cretaceous period to today, using the digital tablet to pin key points in history. You can also access our garden here through the glass doors.

The garden also serves as an emergency exit.

Wiggler's Play Lab is a fun and interactive area designed for younger visitors. Here, they can engage with live arthropods, explore an ant farm with fun magnets, and enjoy coloring.

Step down into the classroom to get Scavenger Hunts, worksheets, and coloring pages. You can also join in for class sessions like Crazy Science, Feature Creature, and Mosquito Cravings.

In this section, you will discover the various technologies and tools used in mosquito control. From our retired helicopter to mosquito traps, you will gain insight into the innovative methods employed to monitor and manage mosquito populations.

Don’t miss the mosquito fish tank, natural predators of mosquitoes! Join in for Fish Frenzy feeding time, check our programming for more information.

This section showcases a wide range of arthropod specimens that are of public health importance. Using digital microscopes, you can examine these specimens up close and learn about their significance in the field of entomology. Check out interactive kiosks on various disease vectors and our interactive wall panels for urban pests.

Here, we celebrate the exciting world of entomology. Our indoor hive is located here, watch busy bees at work. Turn the corner and stroll through a recreation of historic St. Augustine—past storefronts, Aviles Street, and the Huguenot Cemetery—while exploring insects and arthropods that have shaped both our city and our world. This section aims to highlight the diversity of these creatures, both positive and negative.

Learn about the evolution of mosquito control and how they protect communities from mosquito-borne illness. Dive in and discover the rich history of mosquito control efforts throughout the years. Explore the various methods and strategies that have been employed to combat these pesky insects and protect public health.  This section delves into mosquito control and its importance in society.

Discover the rich history of the Anastasia Mosquito Control District, from its start to its current operations. This section delves into the origins of the district and its mission to effectively manage mosquito populations.

Restrooms, an AED station, and a water fountain are available here for your convenience.

Our Garden showcases a Bat House, Greenhouse Lab, Dragonfly Sculptures, and Garden Pond with mosquito-eating fish. Visitors learn how Bromeliads can breed mosquitoes, see Dormitories for interns and scientists, explore our Solar-Powered Center, and discover how Aviation tools like helicopters and drones support mosquito control.