Fight The Bite!

Stormwater detention/retention ponds do not typically breed mosquitoes. However, there are numerous other potential breeding sites near many Charleston County residences.  Because mosquitoes must have water to carry out their life cycle, several types of containers, yard ornaments, structures and other items can produce hundreds of mosquitoes from just a single rain event.  Birdbaths, buckets, toys, pet dishes, plant pots, abandoned or neglected swimming pools, and even boats can be a major source of mosquitoes.  You can be a "mosquito fighter" in your neighborhood by taking a few simple steps to ensure that a little standing water does not turn into a big mosquito problem:

• Flush birdbaths, potted plant saucers, pet dishes and other objects that hold water every three days.
   
• Put window screening over rain-collecting barrels and buckets.
   
• Keep roof gutters cleaned of leaves and branches.
   
• Cover swimming pools or clean out debris and maintain recommended chlorine or other chemical levels.
   
• Pull drain plugs out of uncovered boats and make sure that boat covers are pulled tight to shed rainwater.
   
• Keep yard clean of toys and other items that hold water.
   
• To contact Charleston County Mosquito Control with questions or concerns, please call (843) 202-7880.