South Carolina is a picture of Southern living at its finest. It has a charm about it that brings tourists in to visit regularly. Whether your destination is a quaint town or a beautiful sandy beach, South Carolina is a state that you will not soon forget. Tourists are not the only visitors to South Carolina. With residents and visitors aplenty, South Carolina provides a prime feeding ground for dreaded mosquitoes.
What Everyone Ought To Know About Mosquitoes In South Carolina
Mosquitoes are vectors for disease. A vector will spread germs picked up from others and pass them on. These germs can be a virus or parasite that can make you ill. Mosquitoes have skinny bodies that can be anywhere from 1/8” – 3/8” long, wings, and long, thin legs. They may look delicate, but they can pack a wallop!
Mosquitoes are not just annoying; they can be dangerous. When a female bites her victim, she uses her mouthparts to pierce the skin and siphon off blood. The biting mosquito will fill itself with blood and inject saliva into your skin which can cause a reaction that results in itching and a bump. While itching can drive you nuts, the germs mosquitoes can transfer to you from prior hosts can be dangerous.
There are several existing or potential mosquito-borne viruses and parasites commonly associated with South Carolina.
Five mosquito-borne viruses and parasites to be aware of in our area are as follows:
- West Nile virus
- Eastern equine encephalitis virus
- La Crosse encephalitis and other California serogroup viruses
- Saint Louis encephalitis virus
- Dog/cat heartworm
Ways To Control Mosquitoes Around Your South Carolina Property
Where you live and the conditions around your property can greatly affect whether mosquitoes will visit you. Because mosquitoes need warm and moist areas to breed, South Carolina makes an ideal state for these biters. Structures built in areas near lakes, ponds, swamps, or marshes can experience more problems with mosquitoes than others. Even areas far away from these mosquito attractions can experience mosquito conditions on the property inviting the mosquitoes to visit.
Areas that invite mosquitoes include:
- Clogged gutters
- Flowerpots with accumulated standing water.
- Low-lying areas on the property that contain pooling water
- Items in the yard that hold standing water such as tires and kiddie pools
- Water decorations with no circulation
- Birdbaths
- Pool covers that have standing water on top
Property owners can reduce mosquito populations by making sure they address any areas on their property that promote moisture retention. Fixing drainage issues on their property is also helpful. Gutters can be a perfect place for mosquitoes to lay eggs; they should be checked and cleaned regularly to keep water from stagnating.
Here’s A Quick Way To Combat Mosquitoes In South Carolina
Even with mosquitoes buzzing about outside, South Carolina residents like to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful sunshine. The good news is that some preventative measures can be taken to help you enjoy the activities planned for both day and night.
Six ways to prevent mosquitoes from biting while out and about are as follows:
- Wear light-colored clothing.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing that is tightly woven.
- Avoid activities at dawn and dusk.
- Avoid areas that are attractive to mosquitoes.
- Wear mosquito repellent.
- Plan outdoor activities on windy days.
The Best Company For Keeping Mosquitoes Away
The best way to keep mosquitoes away from your property is with The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. Established in 1983, we provide safe, reliable services that get the job done right the first time, guaranteed! Call us today and let us protect your property from nuisance pests.
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