Richland County officials to start spraying for mosquitoes

The Richland County Vector Control Program will start spraying for mosquitoes soon in densely populated areas and is encouraging residents to do their part to keep the population under control.

Vector Control offered the following tips for preventing mosquitoes on their properties:

•  Empty, overturn or remove water-holding containers such as tires, cans, bottles, buckets, flower pots, etc.

• • • Use EPA registered insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions.

• Clear drainage ditches of debris and weeds.

• Pack tree holes with sand or cement.

• Clean clogged roof gutters.

• Keep boats overturned, drained or covered (covers should not collect water).

• Stock ornamental ponds with top-feeding minnows.

• Maintain swimming pools properly.

• Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths and containers used to root plants at least weekly

• Make sure there are screens on rain barrels to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the collected water and use the water as soon as possible.

Trucks in Richland County outside of Columbia city limits will typically spray for adult mosquitoes between midnight and dawn. Spraying may be conducted earlier depending on conditions.

Beekeepers and residents allergic to resmethrin or permethrin should contact Vector Control at (803) 929-6000.

City of Columbia residents can contact (803) 545-3430 with questions and concerns. Lexington County residents outside of Batesburg-Leesville can find out information about spraying at (803) 785-8440. Batesburg-Leesville residents can call (803) 532-4601.

This story was originally published March 7, 2016 at 10:33 AM with the headline "Richland County officials to start spraying for mosquitoes."