Additional Mosquito Control Surveillance and Treatment Missions Planned

Beaufort County Mosquito Control (BCMC/Mosquito Control) has confirmed the first West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquito samples of the year in Beaufort County. The samples were collected from mosquito surveillance trap locations in the City of Beaufort and were tested in Mosquito Control’s laboratory.

In response to the WNV detection, BCMC is proactively increasing mosquito trapping in the areas identified, and will schedule additional treatment missions by truck to decrease the numbers of adult mosquitoes.

West Nile virus is naturally found in our area, but detection can vary from year to year. BCMC consistently deploys up to 80 mosquito surveillance traps each week throughout Beaufort County to detect mosquito-borne disease like WNV, eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus, and St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) virus.

The public should take the proper precautions to avoid mosquito bites while outside:

• Drain standing water that may produce mosquitoes.
• Dawn and Dusk are times to avoid being outdoors.
• Dress to deter mosquitoes by wearing long sleeves and pants when outside.
• Defend yourself by using an effective, EPA approved insect repellent.
• Doors and windows screens should be in good working condition.

For more information about mosquito control or to report mosquitoes or standing water, visit Beaufort County Mosquito Control’s website or call 843-255-5800. Sign up for aerial spray notifications here.