Mosquito Prevention

Hate mosquitos? Here are some quick helpful tips to help prevent mosquitos from ruining your day.

• If you’re going to be outdoors, pick an open, sunny spot away from trees, bushes, or high grass where mosquitoes might be hiding.
• Avoid going out unprotected at night on cool or overcast days.
• Screen Protection: Ordinary window screens with 14 to 18 meshes to the inch will keep out mosquitoes. Screens should be kept in good repair.
• Mosquito-proof clothing/bedding: Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants tucked into socks. Clothing of tightly woven fabrics offers protection against mosquito bites. To protect infants, use mosquito netting made of cotton or nylon with 23 to 26 meshes per inch. A white-colored mesh net works the best. It helps spot any mosquitoes in the area.
• Avoid wearing perfume or any scented products. The scent will more than likely attract mosquitoes in your area. Wear light-colored clothing rather than dark when spending time outdoors.
• Use an insect repellent product that contains approximately 30% DEET. DEET has been proven to be very effective to help prevent mosquitoes. Don’t apply repellents to the eyes, lips, open cuts, areas of the skin that has a rash or other mucus membranes on the skin. For more information on DEET, please visit South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) or view Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) DEET fact sheet.
• Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by removing any standing water in your area. Possible breeding places that may hold standing water include: old tires, kiddie pools, clogged gutters, wheelbarrows, birdbaths, fountains, etc. Keep these places clean and free of standing water. If you own a birdbath or fountain, change the water at least twice per week. For more tips on how to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, please visit SCDHEC.
• To get more information on how to better protect your home against mosquitoes, view the SCDHEC flyer or the County Mosquito Flyer (PDF).