By Warren Bolton

It’s that time of year when mosquitoes invade South Carolina. Considering the flooding we experienced in October as well as a mild winter and the warm weather ahead, it’s reasonable to expect an influx of these insects in the Palmetto State.

Mosquito-borne diseases

South Carolina is home to at least 61 different species of mosquito. While the itch-inducing bite from the pests is enough of a bother, they can pose a real danger in some instances:  Mosquitoes in South Carolina might carry West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis or other viruses or parasites. Although there has been heightened concern recently over the Zika virus due to an outbreak in South America, there have been no confirmed cases found in South Carolina.

DHEC works in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor mosquito populations for diseases that can be spread to humans. We also provide information to help individuals and communities take action to reduce mosquito populations in their area and prevent bites.

Local mosquito control

Local governments play a key role in protecting citizens from mosquito-borne illnesses either through local mosquito control programs or through local ordinances. DHEC is encouraging local officials to review, update or create local ordinances designed to aid in mosquito reduction or treat standing water from roadside ditches, puddles or pools, and other areas that serve as breeding sites, such as man-made containers like tires, flower pots, kiddy pools, bird baths, etc. Counties or municipalities without abatement programs aimed at controlling mosquitoes are encouraged to institute local ordinances.

Get mosquitoes out of your yard

But local governments are only part of the solution. You must mount your own defense against a mosquito invasion as well. You can begin by removing, emptying or filling any objects in your yard or home that might hold water in order to eliminate breeding sites.

It’s critical that we all join forces and do our part to combat the threat of mosquito-borne viruses and parasites. We must be vigilant about controlling the mosquito population in our own yards and communities while protecting ourselves from bites.

Eliminating mosquito breeding areas

In surveying your property for mosquito breeding spots, leave literally no stone unturned. Among other things:

• Clear out weeds, leaves, dirt and other debris from pipes.
• Repair leaky pipes and outdoor faucets.
• Clean out rain gutters and downspouts regularly.
• Empty and turn over containers that hold water, such as cans, jars, drums, bottles, flower pots, buckets, children’s toys, wheel barrows, old appliances, plastic sheeting or tarps used to cover objects like grills or swimming pools, etc.
• Make sure that all permanent water containers, such as wells, septic tanks, cisterns, water tanks, and cesspools are tightly covered and insect-proof.
• Use mosquito dunks or mosquito-eating minnows in decorative ponds
• Change the water in bird baths and empty and clean out children’s wading pools at least once a week.
• Clean out and change the water in your pet’s water bowl or trough every day.
• Larger troughs for livestock should be cleaned out on a weekly basis.
• Cover trash containers and garbage cans to keep rainwater from accumulating.
• Drain or get rid of old tires by recycling them.

Preventing bites

We also must protect ourselves from mosquito bites.

• If you must be outside, apply a mosquito repellent — either a spray or wipe — to your skin or wear protective clothing per manufacturer instructions to help shield you.
• Avoid going outside at dusk or wearing perfume or scented products.
• Also, keep car windows rolled up and garage doors closed at night.
• Please also make sure that all screens on windows and doors are intact and installed properly.

Make no mistake. The mosquitoes are coming. Be prepared.

Visit DHEC’s mosquito information page for additional information about protecting yourself from mosquito bites, eliminating breeding areas, local mosquito control and more.