The Beaufort County Public Health Department plans to begin spraying for mosquitoes this week as conditions warrant. Spraying will be scheduled for areas showing elevated mosquito populations. Spraying will be completed between dusk and dawn. If rainy or windy conditions are present, spraying will be postponed.

If you have any beehives or newly constructed fish ponds, please contact Environmental Health so that spraying can be avoided in those locations.

Please remember that many mosquito problems are the result of breeding sites around the home. Spraying is not effective in controlling these mosquitoes.

The following practices can help eliminate mosquito breeding sites around the home:

•    Empty or throw away containers in your yard that can collect water, such as tires, buckets, bottles, toys, etc.

•    Change water in pet bowls, bird baths and flowerpot saucers at least twice a week

•    Clean clogged rain gutters

•    Repair leaky outdoor faucets

•    Keep water from accumulating on tarps and boat covers

Protect yourself from mosquito bites by:

•    Covering exposed skin with long sleeves and long pants

•    Avoiding outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active, such as dusk and dawn

•    Avoiding areas with heavy mosquito activity

•    Using repellents on exposed skin – Always read and follow the label instructions

•    Inspecting window and door screens and repairing any holes

Bio-friendly larvicides, commonly known as mosquito dunks, can be purchased at local garden and hardware stores. These will control larval growth in wet areas around the home for several weeks without harming other animals.

If you need additional information or have concerns about a mosquito problem in your area, please contact Beaufort County Environmental Health at 252-946-6048 or visit www.bchd.net