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The Beaufort County Health Department plans to begin spraying for mosquitoes this week as conditions warrant. Planned spraying is scheduled for areas that are showing elevated mosquito populations. Spraying will be completed between dusk and dawn. If rain or windy conditions are present, spraying will be postponed.

If you have any beehives or newly constructed fish ponds, contact Environmental Health so they can avoid spraying those locations.

Remember that many mosquito are the result of breeding sites around the home. Spraying is not effective in controlling those mosquitoes.

The following practices should be followed to help eliminate mosquito breeding sites around the home:

·      Empty or throw away containers in your yard that can collect water, such as tires, buckets, bottles and toys.

·      Change water in pet bowls, bird baths and flower pot saucers at least twice a week.

·      Clean clogged rain gutters.

·      Repair leaky outdoor faucets.

·      Keep water from accumulating on tarps and boat covers.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites by:

·      Covering exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and long pants.

·      Avoid outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active such as dusk and dawn.

·      Avoid areas with heavy mosquito activity.

·      Always read and follow label instructions when using repellents on skin.

·      Inspect window and door screens and repair any holes.

Bio-friendly larvacides, commonly known as “mosquito dunks” can be purchased at local garden and hardware stores. These will control larval growth in wet areas around the home for several weeks without harming other animals.

For more information or if you have concerns about a mosquito problem in your area please contact the Beaufort County Health Department’s Environmental Health Section at 252-946-6048 or visit www.bchd.net.