COLUMBIA (WIS) – While summer officially
kicked off this week, you may have been spending your time outside for a while
now. However, if you are, the Department of Health and Environmental Control
(DHEC) wants to make sure your armed with some tips against one bug who ‘eats
up' this time of year.
DHEC is observing National Mosquito Awareness
week this week. Agency officials say they picked the week of June 24th
because summer is officially in full swing and that means so are mosquitoes.
In doing so, they're asking South Carolinians
to take a look around their homes. Here are some tips they say should help
manage the mosquito population near you:
- Clean out birdbaths
and outside pet bowls frequently, flushing them with clear water.
- Maintain shrubs and
grass keeping them trimmed.
- Stock decorative
ponds with minnows or use appropriate products that manage mosquito larvae.
- Remove debris out of
gutters and spouting.
- Make sure screens on
windows and doors are in good condition.
- Check around your
home for standing water in: buckets, cups, plastic bags, tires, flower pots,
tarps, and children's play sets. Remove any water holding containers.
- Put holes in the
bottom of trash cans without lids to let standing water out.
DHEC Officials say sometimes it's the
smallest cracks and crevices that can cause the biggest problems. "One of those [places] may be a tarp that may be covering a
boat, a camper or a trailer of some kind," said Adam Myrick, a spokesman for
DHEC. "A lot of times little folds or creases in that tarp can hold water. It's
a small amount of water but we often forget about it, but a mama mosquito sees
that and knows it's a good place to lay some eggs and often times that's going
to turn into a great breeding ground."
Myrick says it's important to be vigilant to
prevent mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile. In addition to mosquito
proofing your home, you can also mosquito proof yourself.
DHEC officials encourage:
- Stay inside at times
when mosquitoes are most active: Dawn, dusk and early evening.
- If you have to be
outside during the above times, wear long-sleeves and long pants (even in
hotter weather)
- Use appropriate
repellents and follow directions.
- Check on your animals
(Horses, dogs, etc.) and consult with a veterinarian to learn more about
protection
Officials add, if you do get bit by a
mosquito and later feel different than usual, (i.e. symptoms of a light fever,
headache, rash, etc.), you should consult your healthcare professional.
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