Although Richland County was spared from widespread flooding after Tropical Storm Florence, rain-filled containers and small areas of standing water could raise the risk of a familiar threat: mosquitoes.
Residents are asked to take preventative actions, such as overturning containers and clearing drainage areas to eliminate breeding sites for mosquitoes. Though the County has not seen a spike in mosquito activity, residents should remain vigilant. Recent confirmed cases of West Nile Virus in the City of Columbia are reason enough to take precautions. Mosquitoes also carry other diseases and can breed in water collected in a container as small as a bottle cap.
“The thing most likely to cause a problem at this point is that everyone’s containers are full of rainwater,” said Tammy Brewer, the Vector Control Division Manager. “The best thing that residents can do is take a few minutes to go walk around their yards and empty all standing water from containers.”
The Vector Control staff was prepared to launch an all-out attack on the flying menaces after the storm, but got a welcomed surprise. Because Richland County was not inundated with rain and flooding, the ground here did not become saturated – potentially creating ideal breeding conditions. Still, residents are urged to check for potential trouble spots around their homes and take these preventive measures:
- Empty, overturn or remove water-holding containers such as tires, cans, bottles, buckets, flower pots, etc.
- 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 (water gardens) with top-feeding minnows
- Properly maintain swimming pools
- Change the water at least weekly in pet dishes, birdbaths and containers used to root plants
- Make sure there are screens on rain barrels to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the collected water and use the water as soon as possible
To reduce the likelihood of being bitten, residents are reminded to use as directed on label instructions, EPA registered insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
To ask questions or report problems with mosquitoes in Richland County, call 803-929-6000; inside Columbia city limits, call 803-545-3430. 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.