As the warm weather continues in in the area, pesky mosquitoes will soon be upon us.
In a recent blog post South Carolina D-HEC reminds people how dangerous mosquitoes can be. They are known carriers of diseases like “West Nile” and other diseases and parasites. Recently there has been concern over the Zika virus, however all known cases in the state were traced to travel or sexual contact.
D-HEC outlines a list of things you can do to control the mosquito population.
- Drain, fill, or get rid of areas that hold water. Mosquitoes like to use these places as breeding sites.
- Clear out weeds, leaves, dirt, and other debris from pipes.
- Repair leaky pipes and outdoor faucets.
- Regularly clean out rain gutters and downspouts.
- Empty or turn over containers that can hold water, such as cans, jars, drums, flower pots, toys and wheel barrows.
- Use plastic sheeting or tarps to cover grills and pools.
- Make sure all permanent water containers like wells, septic tanks, cisterns, water tanks, and cesspools are tightly covered and insect proof.
When outside D-HEC advises you to wear protective clothing like long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Also using mosquito repellent is a good idea, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. Avoid wearing scented products and perfume or cologne and keep your car windows and garage doors closed.
For more information visit D-HEC’s mosquito information page here.