Mosquito Information

About Mosquitoes | Backyard Tips | How to Protect Yourself
Mosquitoes and Heartworm Disease | Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus
Charleston County Mosquito Control Program | Quick Mosquito Facts

• The mosquito is a known nuisance. However, some mosquitoes can also transmit diseases such as heartworm, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and the West Nile Virus.

• Mosquitoes must have water to breed. Mosquito species that originate from water-holding containers do not travel far. If you have areas around your yard holding water, you may be breeding mosquitoes.

• You can help reduce mosquitoes by eliminating unnecessary containers and other standing water around your home.

Any Charleston County resident who is troubled by mosquitoes may contact the Charleston County Mosquito Control Division by calling (843) 202-7880. An inspector will respond to your request and seek out the cause of the problem.

• Keep your yard clean and mowed
• Fix leaking faucets
• Keep gutters clean
• Empty any containers that hold water, such as cans, bottles and potted plant saucers
• Fill tree holes
• Remove old tires
• Maintain swimming pools
• Change birdbath twice a week

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• Stay indoors at dawn, dusk and early evening
• Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants when outside
• Avoid perfumes or other scented products
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Follow directions
• Install screens on any open windows

Heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal disease affecting the heart and adjacent vessels of a dog or cat. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it ingests microfilariae (microscopic worms). These young worms are in the saliva of the mosquito.

When an infected mosquito feeds on an uninfected animal, the microfilariae are transferred into the bloodstream infecting the bitten dog or cat.

The easiest way of controlling heartworm disease is by using heartworm preventative tablets, milbemycin oxime, given monthly. The preventative tablets kill larvae before they develop into adult heartworms.

Protect your animals! Contact your veterinarian for more information on Heartworm Disease, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and the West Nile Virus.

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The West Nile Virus first appeared in the United States. in 1999. Previous outbreaks have occurred in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Mosquitoes become infected with the West Nile Virus when they feed on infected birds. After an incubation period of 10 days to two weeks, infected mosquitoes can transmit the West Nile Virus to humans and animals while biting to take blood.

The incubation period in humans is usually five to 15 days; there is no vaccine or treatment for the West Nile Virus in humans.

The West Nile Virus is not transmitted from person-to-person. Symptoms include fever, headache and body aches. More severe symptoms include high fever, stupor, convulsions and, rarely, death.

If you think you have been exposed to the West Nile Virus, seek medical care. People 50 years of age or older have the highest risk of severe disease.

See the tips above to Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes.

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