With warmer weather beginning, Spring brings flowers and sun, but also 53 documented varieties of mosquitos. Beaufort County Mosquito Control is working to enhance the health and quality of life through the suppression of disease-carrying and nuisance mosquitoes using the safest, most economical, and most effective means available. Staff adhere to the principles of Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) to accomplish these goals. The County IMM plan consists of:

• surveillance of adult and larval mosquitoes
• surveillance of mosquito-borne diseases
• control of adult and larval mosquitoes
• legislation
• support of community outreach
• continuing education for employees

Certified personnel use state of the art ground and aerial application equipment with tracking. Also, Mosquito Control receives technical support from Clemson University Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) and South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH)

Residents can visit Beaufort County Mosquito Control to do the following:

• request treatment service
• register for aerial applications notifications
• register your beehives to protect them from treatment
• find a map of planned and completed mosquito treatment areas

The County will continue to monitor the mosquito population with increased trapping in the area, laboratory analysis, and mosquito abatement missions based on that surveillance data. Additional treatment missions have been planned for the affected area.

Mosquito larvae can develop into adults in as few as 5 days, so Beaufort County residents can do their part in helping keep homes and yards mosquito-free.  

• TIP over anything that can hold water, such as toys, plant saucers or vases. To disrupt mosquito breeding cycles, change water often, even daily, in items like dog bowls and bird baths.
• TOSS or recycle any unwanted yard items that may collect water, such as old tires, junk, or trash.
• TURN over items that can hold water like children’s pools, wheelbarrows, or buckets.
• TIGHTEN tarps over items like boats, wood piles, grills, and pools.
• TAKE CARE of your property. Clean out debris from ditches, drains, and gutters. Keep grass cut low and trim or remove overgrown plants.
• TREAT items that can’t be drained or emptied with appropriate mosquito control products.
• TEAM UP and talk with neighbors about reducing mosquitoes in and around your home and neighborhood.

More information can be found at Beaufort County Mosquito Control.