Columbia, South Carolina, known for its warm and humid climate, is not an exception to the mosquito problem. These troublesome insects give itchy bites and are carriers of diseases like West Nile, Zika, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
Knowing what Columbia’s mosquito problem is, its causes, and how to prevent it is necessary for every resident to safeguard themselves and their families. This article discusses everything you should know about the mosquito problem, including strategies for Mosquito Control Columbia, SC.
Table of Contents
What Makes Columbia, SC, A Mosquito Problem?
Columbia’s warm and humid climate is ideal for mosquitoes to spread. Plenty of standing water and green spaces in urban areas create breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Besides, Columbia’s location near rivers, lakes, and wetlands is one factor that increases the mosquito population. Mosquito activity usually rises during the warmer months, usually from April to October, when the temperature is higher and mosquitoes are more active.
Dominant Mosquito Species in Columbia, SC
Many mosquito species are found in Columbia, including the Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito), Aedes aegypti (Yellow Fever Mosquito), and Culex pipiens (Common House Mosquito). These species carry the Zika virus, West Nile virus, dengue fever, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
Dangerous Health Effects of Mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes pose severe health risks to the residents of Columbia, SC. They are carriers of a group of diseases that affect humans like West Nile virus, Zika virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and dengue fever. Not to mention that mosquito bites can trigger allergic reactions that cause problems like swelling, redness, and itchiness too. Scratching mosquito bites may lead to secondary infection, especially in kids.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites in Columbia, SC
The people of Columbia, SC, can do several things to prevent mosquito bites and, thus, mosquito-borne diseases. Some of the strategies for Mosquito Control Columbia, SC include using mosquito repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water around the house.
Besides, it is also a good idea to use mosquito nets over beds, especially for infants and young children, and to avoid outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
Mosquito Control Columbia, SC
The City of Columbia carries out several mosquito control measures to cut the mosquito population and, thus, reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. These measures encompass mosquito surveillance to monitor the mosquito populations and the breeding sites, mosquito spraying in the areas where the high mosquito activity is found, and public education to assist the residents in preventing mosquito bites and eliminating the mosquito breeding sites around their homes.
Summary
Mosquitoes in Columbia, SCare, are a serious problem because they threaten the health of its residents. To protect your and your family’s health, it is important to know all the aggravating factors, the most common mosquito species in the area, the health risks associated with mosquitoes, and effective ways to prevent mosquitoes. The preventative measures put in place and the city’s guidelines on mosquito control can help reduce the risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes.
