FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2008
Mosquito spraying to begin in Sumter
SUMTER – Preparations are underway to begin spraying to reduce the mosquito population in Sumter, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.
"In a partnership to 'Fight the Bite,' the Sumter city and county mosquito control program and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Sumter County Public Health Department will begin spraying soon," said Timothy Garris, vector control foreman at DHEC’s Sumter County Public Health Department. "Anyone with respiratory problems or allergies who would like to be notified when a particular area will be sprayed should contact DHEC’s Sumter County Environmental Health office.
"Callers should give their home phone number, address and exact directions to their property. Beekeepers should also notify the Environmental Health office of their location," Garris said. "Anyone who would like to pinpoint areas with mosquito problems may call DHEC with the exact location, along with directions and a telephone number."
"The public can also help reduce mosquito breeding areas by removing or cleaning all open containers, old tires, tarps or anything that might hold water," Garris said. "Anything that holds as much as one-half inch of still water has the potential to become a breeding area for mosquitoes."
To report allergies or beekeeping, or for more information, call DHEC’s Sumter County Environmental Health office at (803) 934-2892. For information on mosquito-borne diseases and how to reduce your risk, go to the DHEC Web site at: http://www.scdhec.gov/westnile.
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For more information:
Missy Reese – (803) 983-9095
E-mail – reesemb@dhec.sc.gov
CBNR1366