County Attacks Mosquitoes Early

Yes, it’s February, but for Charleston County Mosquito Control, now is the perfect time to get in front of the Lowcountry’s chronic mosquito plague.

This week, the department sent teams into neighborhoods to talk to residents about how individuals can kill the pesky fangs with wings. The effort continues into March.

“We’re just handing out brochures, talking to people and letting them know about any obvious problems,” said Carnard Chapman, a Mosquito Control field inspector.

For Chapman and other inspectors, the enemy is standing water. Fish will control mosquito larvae in ponds, but birdbaths, kiddy pools, old tires and buckets are perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, he said.

“We tell people to empty those out periodically,” said Chad Cashwell, another field inspector. “And if they can’t, they can add a tablespoon of bleach to the water."

Chapman and Cashwell were two of six inspectors that canvassed Mount Pleasant neighborhoods this week. The information effort will spread across the county into March, officials said. They’re encouraging residents to take preventative measures, but also telling them how to report plagues of skeeters.

“The first thing we need to know is where mosquitoes breed and how they live their life cycles,” said Donna Odom, Charleston County Mosquito Control Superintendent. “Mosquitoes carry diseases including West Nile Virus, Dengue Fever, Malaria, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Heartworms. The public has to be an integral part of our fight against mosquito-borne diseases.”

The county will still spray badly infested areas with trucks. And if outbreaks get too bad, Mosquito Control can attack from the air. But the bottom line, they say, is that residents can play a key role in cutting down on Mosquitoes.

WAYS THE PUBLIC CAN HELP 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

INSPECTORS' SCHEDULE

• Feb. 22, 23 and 28: James Island areas of Meridian Place, The Islands, Farmington and Harbor Oaks
• Feb. 29, March 1 and 6: West Ashley areas of Stono Park, South Windermere and Melrose