Mosquito Control

If you would like to report a maintenance problem or request service, try our on-line request system @ Your Request by clicking below:
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: Tim Chatman
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 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:

To provide temporary and permanent control methods for the abatement of adult biting mosquitoes. Our integrated pest management system incorporates source reduction, surveillance, identification, adulticiding, larvaciding, and education. Mosquito Control has a phone hotline, which benefits the public if they find breeding around their property. Mosquito Control inspectors may find a potential breeding source and the property owner is given advice on personal protection and elimination of the breeding source.

Division News:

Annual Report Fiscal Year 2010

Mosquito Control Program (6.5mb PDF file)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. What can I do to reduce the mosquito population in the areas around my home?
A: 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. For more advise, click on the link "Advise for homeowners…" at the bottom of the page.

Q. What can I do to protect myself from biting mosquitoes?
A: When outside, wear mosquito- proof clothing, avoid wearing perfume or scented products, and use an insect repellent.

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

To Subcribe to SC Ozone Forecast send Mail To: DHEC

Today´s Ozone Forecast