Frequently Asked Questions

The preferred way to report problems/request spraying is to use our Spray Request Form. You can also call the Mosquito Control Hotline at 843-545-3615. Please be sure to leave your name, address and telephone number when calling.

When outside, wear mosquito-proof clothing, avoid wearing perfume or scented products and use an insect repellent. Mosquitoes are also more attracted to dark-colored clothing.

Since mosquitoes need water to drink and to lay their eggs, water-holding containers may be breeding areas for mosquitoes. For a comprehensive list of places/things to check, see our "Help Wanted - Fight the Bite" Flyer.

In summary, to control mosquito problems around the house, eliminate any standing water. For more information on protecting yourself and your property see the South Carolina Department of Public Health's "Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Areas" webpage.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH) tests several species of birds for the presence of West Nile virus.  For more information, please visit their "Report and Submit Dead Birds to Help DPH Track West Nile Virus" webpage.  Alternatively, you can contact the Mosquito Control ’Hotline’ 843-545-3615, and if the bird is one of the species listed on the SCDPH website, our staff will collect and submit the bird to the local SCDPH lab for further testing.

Georgetown County Mosquito Control staff uses data from multiple sources for making spraying decisions. Each of the below items contributes to the pool of information which helps determine the areas to be sprayed week to week.

• Our staff has traps placed throughout the County to collect mosquitoes, and analyzes the information obtained from these traps frequently
• Recent rainfall
• Requests submitted in writing and via our hotline
• Physical inspections conducted by Mosquito Control staff
• Information received from qualified observers who report on mosquito activity around the county

Known problem areas (areas that our staff considers to be "hot spots") are typically sprayed more frequently.

Only in extreme cases, typically after an event such as a hurricane or an unusually large rainfall amount. In these situations, if the spray trucks are unable to reduce the high number of mosquitoes, the county uses aircraft to cover more area during spraying.

In 2023, the Georgetown County Mosquito Control Division switched from chemical pesticides in its spray trucks to more environmentally friendly methods. Ingredients are water, garlic oil, citronella oil, lemongrass oil, cedar oil, geraniol, rosemary oil, sodium lauryl sulphate and ethyl lactate. This product is on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Minimum Risk Pesticides list. It is not harmful to people, birds, pets or many beneficial insects.

View the Safety Data Sheet

The county conducts aerial spraying only in urgent circumstances, such as after hurricanes when mosquito populations surge countywide. Naled is used in aerial spraying and, once again, is not harmful to humans, pets, birds and large beneficial insects from a single application, due to the tiny droplet size. It also dissipates within a day, reducing any lingering effects. This product is highly regulated by the EPA and only used in small concentrations. (For example: only 3/4 of an ounce of Naled is used to spray one acre).

The Mosquito Control staff is highly sensitive to the effects of these chemicals on the environment. Most of the spraying is conducted in the early morning and evening when mosquitoes are active but other insects are not. The staff is dedicated to protecting the environment and are constantly looking for alternative methods of controlling mosquitoes without harming humans, pets, birds and beneficial insects.