Columbia Standard

Residents are urged to protect themselves by:

• Using, according to the label instructions, EPA registered insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Emptying and turning over outdoor containers holding water
• Making sure there are screens on rain barrels and using the water as soon as possible
• Changing the water in pet dishes, birdbaths and plant containers at least once a week
• Properly maintaining swimming pools
• Cleaning clogged roof gutters
• Eliminating overgrown grass, weeds, and shrubbery
• Clearing drainage ditches of debris and weeds
• Packing tree holes with sand
• Keeping boats overturned, drained or covered (covers should not collect water)
• Stocking ornamental ponds and water gardens with top-feeding minnows.

The City of Columbia will continue to spray for adult mosquitoes through the remainder of the season, as recommended. Spraying is usually conducted between midnight and dawn; however, it is possible for spraying to be conducted earlier depending on conditions. Residents allergic to the products permethrin, deltamethrin, or tau-fluvalinate should notify Vector Control staff by calling the City of Columbia Code Enforcement at 803-545-4229. All beekeepers should call Code Enforcement to notify staff of their hives.

Original source can be found here.