DPH Asks Residents to Help Control Mosquito Populations Following Tropical Storm Debby

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Aug. 20, 2024

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Following a period of heavy rain and flooding around the state due to Tropical Storm Debby, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds South Carolinians to remove standing water to help control mosquito populations in their communities.  

The number of mosquitoes tends to grow after storms due to an increase in standing water. Mosquitoes can develop in water that stands for more than five days. DPH recommends getting rid of all standing water to control the mosquito population around your home and property. 

“Mosquitoes can lay eggs in small amounts of water, so it’s very important to get rid of standing water that can accumulate in buckets, flowerpots, grill covers, tires, trashcan lids, toys and yard decorations or debris,” said Dr. Chris Evans, State Public Health Entomologist with DPH. “Using dirt or cement to fill in low places such as tire ruts or puddles is important to prevent those areas from accumulating storm water. Removing or preventing standing water are some of the most effective ways to reduce mosquito populations at home and in your community, which in turn reduces the risk for disease spread through their bites.”  

DPH offers educational materials and tips for mosquito prevention, bite prevention and more via it’s website at dph.sc.gov/mosquitoes.  

There are at least 61 different species of mosquitoes in South Carolina, but fortunately not all of them bite people. Often, mosquitoes are simply a nuisance, but some species can pose serious health risks to people and animals by spreading diseases. The most common diseases potentially carried by mosquitoes in South Carolina include those caused by the West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis virus, La Crosse encephalitis virus, Saint Louis encephalitis virus and dog/cat heartworm.  

“With the potential increase in mosquitoes following Tropical Storm Debby, it’s important that South Carolinians take additional steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” Dr. Evans said.  

In addition to draining standing water, the American Mosquito Control Association recommends wearing long sleeves, long pants and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing when outdoors and properly applying an EPA-registered product that contains a repellent such as catnip oil, oil of citronella, DEET, IR 3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), 2-undecanone or wear permethrin-treated clothing. With all repellents, be sure to follow product label instructions.  

DPH doesn’t perform mosquito control -- the agency’s role is to provide information that helps individuals, communities and local mosquito control programs take actions to reduce mosquito populations. Mosquito control programs are managed locally by city or county governments.  

DPH works in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor mosquitoes for diseases that can be spread to humans. DPH’s mosquito-borne disease surveillance program includes trapping and testing mosquitoes, accepting and testing dead birds from the public and working with Clemson University Veterinary Diagnostic Center to test veterinary animals, such as horses. Additionally, DPH does surveillance for and responds to cases in humans of these diseases spread by mosquitoes. 

The Atlantic hurricane season runs through November 30. Removing standing water from the areas surrounding your home is important following any storm.  

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