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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. Learn more about these and other diseases spread by mosquitoes.
DPH's Role
DPH works in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor mosquitoes for diseases that can be spread to humans. The agency provides recommendations to local governments on how to respond to mosquito-borne diseases, as well as information on how South Carolinians can take action to reduce mosquito populations and prevent bites.
Mosquito Control
DPH does not provide mosquito control. South Carolina mosquito control programs are managed at the local community level. Find a listing of local mosquito control programs. DPH urges 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.
Prevent Mosquito Bites
- Learn how to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
- Learn how to eliminate breeding sites.
Mosquito Population Surges After Floods or Tropical Storm Events
- Significant rainfall events, such as hurricanes or tropical storms, can result in increased mosquito populations in the weeks after flooding. Large numbers of nuisance mosquitoes can hamper recovery efforts, but an increase in mosquito-borne diseases is not always expected.
- Learn more about post-storm nuisance mosquito control and mosquito-borne disease control.
- Learn how mosquito control professionals can seek post-storm federal assistance.