Mosquitoes are common in SC, especially during the summer months. In addition to the itchiness their bites can cause, these pests can put you at risk for certain diseases, which makes Hilton Head mosquito control services so important. The South Carolina Department of Health offers the following information and tips on mosquito prevention to help lower the spread of disease in our state.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Certain types of mosquitoes in SC are able to carry and spread diseases, such as the West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis, which can affect humans. These pests can also make pets sick by spreading dog and cat heartworm larvae. Mosquitoes spread these diseases when they bite people and pets in order to feed on their blood. While these diseases cause no symptoms or only mild symptoms in some people, other people can end up experiencing severe and even life-threatening symptoms. This is why it’s important to prevent the spread of these diseases.
Mosquito Feeding and Breeding Behaviors
Why do mosquitoes go after your blood? These pests need blood in order to produce eggs and increase their population. Since mosquitoes are able to reproduce frequently, they have many opportunities to lay hundreds or thousands of eggs at a time, resulting in large populations throughout mosquito season.
Mosquito Season
When is mosquito season in SC? Mosquito season can last well into the fall as long as the weather conditions are right. Mosquitoes need warm, humid weather to thrive. When temperatures begin to cool off and fall below 50 degrees, mosquitoes start becoming less active. Since the weather is expected to stay hot and humid into fall, mosquito season is likely to be longer than usual this year.
Mosquito Control in SC
Local communities and towns typically have mosquito control programs in place. In some areas, this means ensuring that potential breeding sites are drained. Mosquitoes need standing water, such as puddles, to lay their eggs. Other forms of local mosquito control that some communities and towns take involve spraying to lower the risk of West Nile virus.
Mosquito Prevention at Home
What can you do on your own property to lower the risk of having mosquitoes around? Getting rid of standing water is among the most effective ways to stop these pests from breeding and increasing their population. You should look for any standing water you have on your property that could attract mosquitoes, such as pet bowls, flower pots, downspouts, clogged gutters and bird baths. Get rid of the water in these areas in order to stop mosquitoes from having a place to lay their eggs.
You can also stop mosquitoes from becoming a problem by keeping them outdoors instead of letting them get into your home. Make sure that the screens on your windows and doors don’t have any rips or tears. Keeping your air conditioning on instead of opening windows also helps lower the risk that these bugs will get inside. If you do have a mosquito problem indoors or outdoors, get professional Hilton Head mosquito control services right away.
Mosquito Protection
What can you do to lower your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes this summer or fall? Put on a mosquito repellent when you’ll be outside, especially in wooded areas or shade areas where these pests tend to be. Keep in mind that some mosquito species come out during the day, while others are out at night. Depending on how hot it is outside, you might be able to keep your arms and legs covered with long sleeves and pants to reduce your risk of mosquito bites.
If you have a mosquito problem on your property or if you want to prevent one, contact Island Pest Control. We offer Hilton Head mosquito control services to eliminate these pests from your yard.
