The Beaufort County Public Health Department anticipates spraying for mosquitoes this week as conditions warrant. Spraying will be completed between dusk and dawn. If rainy or windy conditions are present, spraying will be postponed. Spraying will be concentrated in areas showing high levels of mosquito activity.

If you have any bee hives or newly constructed fish ponds, please call Environmental Health so 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 should be followed to 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 flower pot 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 by wearing 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 repair any holes.

Bio-friendly larvacides, 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.

For additional information or if you have concerns about a mosquito problem in your area please contact Beaufort County Public Health Department’s Environmental Health Section at 252-946-6048 or visit www.bchd.net.