It’s that time of year: Richland County Vector Control is beginning to spray for mosquitoes.
The Vector Control team is conducting surveillance on mosquito populations, treating larval breeding sites and preparing to spray for adult mosquitoes in densely populated areas of the County.
The most important thing residents can do to help reduce mosquitoes in and around their homes is to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites by emptying or removing water-holding containers such as tires, cans, bottles, buckets and flower pots.
“One bottle cap of standing water is enough for mosquitoes to breed,” said Tammy Brewer, manager of Richland County’s Vector Control program.
Residents are urged to take these preventive measures to reduce the threat of mosquitoes:
- Use, according to the label instructions, EPA registered insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Clear drainage ditches of debris and weeds
- Pack tree holes with sand
- Clean clogged roof gutters
- Keep boats overturned, drained or covered (covers should not collect water)
- Stock ornamental ponds and water gardens with top-feeding minnows
- Properly maintain swimming pools
- Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths and containers used to root plants at least once a week
- Make sure there are screens on rain barrels and use the water as soon as possible
In Richland County (outside Columbia city limits), truck spraying for adult mosquitoes is usually conducted between midnight and dawn, however, it is possible for spraying to be conducted earlier depending on conditions. Residents allergic to the products resmethrin or permethrin are asked to notify Vector Control staff by calling the Richland County Ombudsman at 803-929-6000. All beekeepers also should call the Ombudsman to notify staff of their hives.
For questions or problems with mosquitoes inside Columbia city limits, call 803-545-4229. Lexington County residents who live inside the town limits of Batesburg-Leesville should call 803-532-4601. All other Lexington County residents should call 803-785-8440.
Click here to watch an informative video about mosquito protection.