Residents are urged to protect themselves by:
- Using, according to the label instructions, EPA registered insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Emptying and turning over outdoor containers holding water
- Making sure there are screens on rain barrels and using the water as soon as possible
- Changing the water in pet dishes, birdbaths and plant containers at least once a week
- Properly maintaining swimming pools
- Cleaning clogged roof gutters
- Eliminating overgrown grass, weeds, and shrubbery
- Clearing drainage ditches of debris and weeds
- Packing tree holes with sand
- Keeping boats overturned, drained or covered (covers should not collect water)
- Stocking ornamental ponds and water gardens with top-feeding minnows.
The City of Columbia will continue to spray for adult mosquitoes through the remainder of the season, as recommended. Spraying is usually conducted between midnight and dawn; however, it is possible for spraying to be conducted earlier depending on conditions. Residents allergic to the products permethrin, deltamethrin, or tau-fluvalinate should notify Vector Control staff by calling the City of Columbia Code Enforcement at 803-545-4229. All beekeepers should call Code Enforcement to notify staff of their hives.