Charleston, SC | Breaking News, Sports, WeatherMosquito control division to visit Mt. Pleasant neighborhoods

Mosquito control division to visit Mt. Pleasant neighborhoods

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCIV) -- Employees with the Charleston County Mosquito Control Division will visit several areas of Mount Pleasant this month in attempt to educate and curb a "growing" problem.

Mosquitoes.

"This is an excellent opportunity to talk with people in person and answer their questions and concerns," said Michael Huggins, a Charleston County Public Works Department foreman with the Mosquito Control Program, who will be leading the door-to-door campaign this month.

"We will give people information on the mosquito life cycle and tips on how to eliminate mosquito egg-laying sites around their homes in order to help reduce the number of mosquitoes in their neighborhoods," he said.

Employees with the mosquito control division will visit Hamlin Plantation, Quail Hollow and Crown Point between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on February 16 and 21 to distribute educational materials and check yards for containers that could lead to mosquito breeding problems.

The goal, they say, is to reduce the mosquito population so that residents can enjoy outside activities and minimize the possibility of mosquito-carried disease.

The mosquito control division advises bee keepers, organic farmers, and citizens with chemical sensitivities, to contact Charleston County Mosquito Control at (843) 202-7880 to be added to the county's spray notification list.

What can you do to reduce mosquitoes?

• Every three days, flush birdbaths, potted plant saucers and other containers that hold water

• Keep yard clean and cut

• Remove items from yard that hold water and are not needed outside

• Keep lawn and gardening equipment indoors

• Fix leaky faucets

• Keep gutters clean

• Fill in tree holes with sand or concrete

• Change pet water dishes regularly

• Chlorinate pools and clean the pool and filters

• Add fish to ponds

Mosquito facts

• A mosquito's life revolves around water; a female mosquito lays her eggs in water or in areas expected to flood.

• Once they hatch, a larvae mosquito must remain in water until it emerges as an adult approximately one to two weeks later.

• Mosquitoes can become infected with the West Nile Virus when they feed on infected birds.

• Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm disease from an infected dog or cat to a healthy dog or cat.

Information

To request service or to get information on Charleston County Mosquito Control activities, call (843) 202-7880.

• Bee keepers, organic farmers, and citizens with chemical sensitivities, should contact Charleston County Mosquito Control at (843) 202-7880 to be added to the County's spray notification list.

• For information on educational programs and presentations available from Charleston County Mosquito Control, call (843) 202-7886.