Be Prepared: Beaufort County Cracks Down on Mosquitoes
If you’ve noticed more mosquitoes hanging around after the recent heavy rains from Tropical Storm Debby, you’re not alone. Fear not – Beaufort County has heard your concerns and is taking action.
The local authorities are stepping up their game by bringing in a helicopter to carry out extensive mosquito control throughout the county. This move comes in response to the surplus water left behind by the storm, which is a breeding ground for the blood-suckers.
Mosquito control process
Now, you might be thinking, “can I request these mosquito control services?” Well, the answer is yes! Residents can put in a service request or use Beaufort Connect to get in touch with the authorities. You can even leave a voicemail with your details at the government office.
However, here’s the deal. The county has set up several mosquito traps across the region to keep track of the mosquito population. Before going ahead with the spraying process, a certain mosquito threshold needs to be met. If your home isn’t near any of these traps, one might be placed at your home to check if the threshold is crossed.
What contributes to the mosquito boom?
According to a local mosquito expert, mosquitoes begin their life cycle in standing water. After five to seven days, they become fully-grown, biting adults. In other words, the recent rainfall was essentially an invitation for a mosquito population boom.
“The rain has created lots of standing water where there wasn’t before, leading to a mosquito explosion around here,” the expert said. The authorities are now doing their best to keep up with the sudden increase in these pesky insects.
What can you do?
While Beaufort County is doing its bit, residents can also help to reduce the mosquito population. It’s recommended to regularly empty any containers that collect water, as standing water is where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Bug sprays and using nets at home can also help keep these insects away.
Mosquitoes can carry and transmit several diseases, including Zika virus and West Nile Virus. Therefore, it’s crucial to take these measures to keep the mosquito population in control and subsequently protect our health.
So, while the experts are doing their part, do yours and keep the surroundings clean and mosquito-free. Let’s all join hands in this fight against these unwelcome intruders!
