By Jim Beasley

Recent rains and flooding left many areas of South Carolina saturated with standing water, which has the potential to become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes are cold-blooded and do not thrive in cooler temperatures, so cold snaps in the weather can help reduce the likelihood of excessive mosquito breeding.  But don’t just count on the weather. You can do your part to reduce mosquito populations and reduce your family’s exposure to these pesky, and potentially harmful, insects.

Do your part – reduce mosquito breeding habitats.

It only takes as few as five days for water in containers as small as a bottle cap to become active breeding sites for mosquitoes.

• Routinely empty any containers on your property that are holding water:
  • Pool covers
  • Flower pots
  • Boat covers
  • Tires
  • Pet bowls
  • Toys
  • Tarps
  • Etc.
• Remove debris from gutters.
• Trim back thick shrubbery and overgrown grass on your property.
• Fix leaky outdoor faucets.

Protect you and your family from mosquitoes and possible exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses.

• Repair damaged or broken doors and screens.
• Wear light-colored clothes with long sleeves and long pants.
• Close garage doors at night.

If you choose to wear insect repellent, the EPA has a web-based tool to help you find the proper insect repellent for your time spent outdoors.
Visit www2.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-insect-repellent-right-you.

If you have mosquito problems in your area, please visit DHEC’s mosquito information page and click on “Local Mosquito Control” for a list of local mosquito control agency contacts.

Download our helpful information sheet on protecting your home against mosquitoes.
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