When Mosquitoes Attack: What to Do to Prevent Getting Bit

The mosquitoes are out in full force around the Lowcountry with the extra rain and warm weather. 

There are at least 61 different species of mosquitoes in South Carolina. All mosquitoes hatch from eggs and the immature stages develop in water, but adult mosquitoes fly free on land.

Here are some tips provided by the Centers for Disease Control to avoid getting bit and getting a mosquito-born illnesses:

• Apply insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing when you go outdoors. Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent. Permethrin sprayed on clothing provides protection through several washes. Don’t spray repellent on skin under clothing and don’t use permethrin on skin. CDC recommends a variety of effective repellents. The most important step is to pick one and use it. There are those that can protect you for a short while in the backyard or a long while in the woods. DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and the plant-based oil of lemon eucalyptus are all repellents recommended by CDC. All contain an EPA-registered active ingredient and have been evaluated for efficacy and safety. EPA has a long listing of every registered repellent brand in the U.S. There are good repellents for every budget, age and preference.

• Cover up! Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants and socks while outdoors to prevent mosquito bites.
• Avoid mosquitoes. The mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus bite between dusk and dawn. Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors during these hours. If you are outside, be sure to wear repellent and protective clothing.
• Use your local community mosquito control programs. Mosquito control activities are handled at the county level. Dorchester County regularly sprays for mosquitoes but you can also call and request an area to be sprayed. Call 843-832-0070 for more information.
• Prevent standing water. Mosquitoes are born in shallow water — buckets and other water-trapping items should be overturned and emptied of water.