Mosquito Control

At Your Request

Ray C. Funnye, Public Services Director
Location: 178 Airport Road, Located off Highway 17
Phone: (843) 545-3615 - Problem Report Line
Fax: (843) 545-3526
Email:
Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except for legal holidays)
Point of Contact: Tim Chatman, Supervisor
Directions: Located off Highway 17, 178 Airport Road

Department Function:

All mosquitoes need water to pass their early life stages. Eliminate mosquito breeding places on your property. Look for any place standing water can collect, such as old tires, kiddie pools, clogged gutters, etc. Change water in pet dishes daily, in birdbaths twice weekly. Use an insect repellent and wear light-colored clothing rather than dark when spending time outdoors.

Division News:

Since all mosquitoes need water during their early stages of life, water-holding containers such as tree holes, tires, tin cans, uncovered boats; leaf-clogged rain gutters and planters may breed mosquitoes. To control mosquito problems around the house, empty the water from these places. When outside, wear mosquito- proof clothing, avoid wearing perfume or scented products and use an insect repellent.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is West Nile Virus and how can I contract it?
A: First found in the United States in New York City in September 1999, the West Nile Virus is contracted through the bite of a mosquito that has the virus. Mosquitoes contract the virus by feeding on birds that have the virus. The mosquitoes then transmit the virus to humans and animals when they bite them. Not contracted person to person, studies show that about three-fourths of the persons with the West Nile Virus did not become sick at all. About one-third had a mild illness with fever, headache, body aches, and a skin rash. Only a few (1%) had the dangerous infection called encephalitis. The time from the mosquito’s bite and a person becoming sick is usually five to fifteen days. There are no vaccines to prevent the disease and/or drugs to treat the disease.

Q: What actions should I take when seeing a dead bird?
A: At this time, the Department of Health and Environmental Control are only testing crows and blue jays. If you see any dead crows or blue jays, please contact Mosquito Control immediately. Staff will collect and submit the bird to DHEC for further testing.

Q: How can I request the spraying of an area for mosquitoes?
A: You may call 545-3615. Leave your name, address, and telephone number.

Q: Does Georgetown County use airplanes to spray for mosquitoes?
A: Only in extreme cases, due to the cost of the application. When the spray trucks can not reduce the majority of mosquitoes, the County uses a plane to spray.

Q: How does the County determine the areas to spray?
A: Georgetown County has fourteen light traps placed throughout the County. The collection of these traps, amount of rainfall, number of complaints, and past problem areas all determine the areas to spray.

Q: What does the Department do to combat mosquitoes?
A: The Department conducts mosquito surveillance in low-lying areas and dredged spoil areas throughout the County in an effort to decrease mosquito breeding. In addition, the Department conducts adulticiding activities throughout the County to combat adult biting mosquitoes.

Additonal Information / Links:

Advice for homeowners on eliminating breeding sites around the home in the Adobe PDF format.

South Carolina Mosquito Control Association
Centers for Disease Control

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