Berkeley County, S.C. — As temperatures rise and summer gets underway, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging Berkeley County residents and others across the state to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities from mosquito-borne illnesses.
With at least 61 mosquito species documented in South Carolina, DPH warns that several of them pose health risks, not just a summertime nuisance. Some mosquitoes can transmit dangerous diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern Equine encephalitis, and La Crosse encephalitis, in addition to heartworm in pets.
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DPH officials say West Nile virus remains the most common concern for humans in the Palmetto State. Though DPH does not directly manage mosquito control programs, the agency provides critical guidance to help individuals and local governments reduce mosquito populations—particularly in Berkeley County, where the warm, humid climate and expanding development create ideal breeding conditions.
“Learning how to avoid mosquito bites is important to reducing our chances of exposure to mosquito-borne diseases,” said Dr. Chris Evans, State Public Health Entomologist. “Mosquito control should be a year-round priority, especially during the warmer months.”
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The state health agency recommends following the “7 Ts” to reduce mosquito breeding grounds at home:
- Tip containers like flowerpots, toys, and bird baths that collect water
- Toss out yard debris or items that can trap water, like old tires
- Turn over buckets, wheelbarrows, or children’s pools when not in use
- Tighten tarps over boats, grills, and firewood piles to prevent pooling
- Take care of overgrown vegetation and clogged gutters
- Treat undrainable areas with safe mosquito control products
- Team up with neighbors to tackle community-wide mosquito issues
Local mosquito control programs in Berkeley County are encouraged to stay alert to DPH advisories, which may include increased surveillance or suggested treatment in response to confirmed virus activity.
DPH partners with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to trap and test mosquitoes statewide and tracks virus activity in animals like birds. The agency’s dead bird surveillance program, active from March through November, is an early warning tool for rising West Nile cases. Berkeley County residents can support the program by reporting and submitting certain species of dead birds for lab testing.
