Moncks Corner, SC - As National Mosquito Awareness Week approaches (June 21st – 27th), Berkeley County Mosquito Abatement (BCMA) gears up for what could be a busy mosquito season. Officials say the more rainfall Berkeley County gets, the bigger the mosquito problem.  As part of the ongoing efforts to control the mosquito population, the BCMA will be spraying areas of Berkeley County on a nightly basis.

“The number one thing that citizens can do to decrease the mosquito population is to inspect their premises for containers that can hold water,” said Jeff Cary, Mosquito Abatement Director. “Any water left standing for a week or more is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.”

Cary recommends residents check their grounds for standing water that could be contained in the following:

        Tires
        Birdfeeders
        Gutters
        Ditches

Containers should be removed or emptied at least once a week to break the mosquito life cycle.

Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, so plan your outdoor activities accordingly.  If you must be out during peak mosquito feeding times wear light colored clothing and use a repellant containing 20% or more deet.  Don't spray repellant directly onto the face, but apply it to your hands first and then rub the face.  Young children should never apply repellant themselves.

Cary encourages dog owners to ensure they are giving their pets heart worm medication. Horse owners should also make sure they are vaccinating their animals for Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus.

The Mosquito Abatement Department works year-round to reduce and control the mosquito population in Berkeley County. This effort includes surveillance, inspection, larval control, source reduction, adult control and public education. Citizens with questions or concerns about spraying, please call BCMA at (843) 719-4646.

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