At least 61 different species of mosquitoes exist in South Carolina. The two-winged insects — whose name means
"little
fly" — are closely related to flies like gnats and no-see-ums.
Mosquitoes are a pest that can cause itchy bites, but they can also cause more serious health issues like
spreading diseases.
The most common diseases that could potentially be carried by mosquitoes in South Carolina include: West
Nile,
Eastern
Equine Encephalitis,
La Crosse encephalitis, Saint Louis encephalitis virus, and dog/cat
heartworm.
DHEC's Role
DHEC works in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor mosquito
populations for diseases
that can be spread to humans. The agency also provides information to help individuals and communities take
action to reduce
mosquito populations in their area and prevent bites.
Mosquito Control
Mosquito control programs are managed at the local community level. Click here to find a listing of local
mosquito control programs. In
light of the 2015 flood, DHEC has been urging local governments to review, update or create local ordinances
designed to
help their mosquito control programs reduce or treat standing water that can provide breeding sites for
mosquitoes.
Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites
Reduce the numbers of adult mosquitoes around your home.
Drain, fill, or eliminate sites that have standing water.
Empty or throw away containers that have standing water.
Keep mosquitoes outside: Use air conditioning or make sure that you repair and use
window/door screens.
Avoid Mosquitoes: Most mosquito species bite during dawn, dusk, twilight hours, and night.
Some species
bite during the day, especially in wooded or other shaded areas. Avoid exposure during these times and in
these areas.
Wear insect repellent: Yes! It is safe. When used as directed, insect repellent is the BEST
way
to protect yourself from mosquito bites—even children and pregnant women should protect themselves.
DEET: Products containing DEET include Cutter, OFF!, Skintastic.
Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin): Products containing picaridin include Cutter
Advanced, Skin
So Soft Bug Guard Plus, and Autan outside the United States).
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD: Repel contains OLE.
IR3535: Products containing IR3535 include Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition and SkinSmart.
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