Mosquito control trucks are making their rounds in Richmond County after the population of the pests surged following Hurricane Helene. County health officials are targeting neighborhoods with adulticide sprays to help stop the spread of mosquito-borne diseases in the wake of the storm.
Just the Facts:
- Richmond County Health Department has begun using truck-mounted sprayers to control mosquitoes. The sprayers release ultra-low volume (ULV) adulticide, which kills mosquitoes on contact.
- Mosquito spraying begins daily at 4:00 p.m. and continues until after sundown.
- Health officials report a sharp increase in the mosquito population, which they attribute to conditions created by Hurricane Helene, such as standing water and warm temperatures.
- The county is using EPA-approved chemicals for the spraying program.
- The increase in mosquito activity was identified through traps set by the county and reported by residents.
The Details: Richmond County is facing a severe mosquito problem after Hurricane Helene, which passed through the area and left pools of standing water, a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Health department traps have confirmed the surge in mosquito numbers, and residents have complained of increased mosquito activity in their neighborhoods.
To combat this, the Richmond County Health Department has deployed four trucks equipped with ultra-low volume sprayers to distribute adulticide. The chemical is intended to kill adult mosquitoes immediately. Spraying starts at 4:00 p.m. each day and continues until after sunset, when mosquitoes are most active.
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The department is using only chemicals approved by the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure the safety of residents while effectively reducing the mosquito population.
In addition to the spraying effort, officials are advising residents to take personal precautions. The health department recommends that people wear long sleeves and pants, apply insect repellent, and stay indoors during dusk and dawn, which are peak times for mosquito activity.
To prevent mosquitoes from breeding, residents are also encouraged to eliminate standing water around their homes. Common places where mosquitoes breed include birdbaths, flowerpots, clogged gutters, and old tires.
Why It Matters:
This large-scale mosquito spraying effort is essential because mosquitoes are known to carry and spread diseases like West Nile virus, Zika, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. While no outbreaks have been reported in Richmond County this year, the surge in mosquito numbers increases the risk of these diseases spreading in the community. Taking steps now to reduce the mosquito population helps protect public health.
How You Can Help:
Residents can help by following these steps:
• Apply mosquito repellent if you’re going outside during mosquito activity hours (dusk and dawn).
• Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Dump standing water from containers in your yard to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
• Contact the Health Department to report significant mosquito problems in your neighborhood or areas with stagnant water.
What’s Next? The Richmond County Health Department will continue spraying daily and monitoring mosquito populations. Officials say the program will run as long as necessary, depending on how quickly the mosquito numbers drop. Residents can expect updates on any changes to the spraying schedule in the coming weeks.
