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Ongoing coverage of South Carolina's recovery from the flooding of 2015.What had been Lindsay Langdale's Columbia home October 3, 2015 was a flooded ruin the next day.This coverage is made possible by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. In October of 2015, South Carolina received rainfall in unprecedented amounts over just a few days time. By the time the rain began to slacken, the National Weather Service reported that the event had dumped more than two feet of water on the state. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the subsequent flooding was the worst in 75 years.

A Look at Mosquitoes in Calhoun and Charleston Counties

Standing water in Colleton County.
Russ McKinney/SC Public Radio

Uncharacteristically warm weather, an historic rainfall event, and persistent standing water had Calhoun and Charleston counties scrambling to keep mosquitoes under control as late as December of 2015. So how are they fairing now as mosquito larva begin to hatch in the spring of 2016?

Without a doubt, mosquito season is under way, and mosquito control programs are gearing up. In Calhoun County, truck-mounted spraying is the first line of defense in the battle to keep mosquitoes at bay. Technicians spray along county roads weekly targeting areas of heavy production, areas with standing water from last year’s flood and subsequent rainfall, as well as in areas with planned public events. Additionally, community members are urged to contact the county administrator’s office to report increased mosquito activity.

Down in Charleston County, equipment calibration is already under way as experts continue to survey thousands of acres of land as well as track data to deal with the more than 60 mosquito species that call the Lowcountry home. Inspectors monitor rainfall events, tides, and service requests to accurately target mosquito populations throughout the county, and then spray using airplane and truck-mounted spraying equipment. In areas with semi-permanent standing water, ground crews resort to introducing small predatory fish to consume mosquito larva.

Another dredge material dump site sits at the northern point of Morris Island.
Credit Google Earth
Another dredge material dump site sits at the northern point of Morris Island.
Dredge spoils rest on cleared plot of land in the middle of Drum Island.
Credit Google Earth
Dredge spoils rest on cleared plot of land in the middle of Drum Island.

  In addition to naturally occurring sites, Charleston County officials have to account for dredged material disposal sites scattered throughout the county. Sediment from the Charleston Harbor’s federal shipping channel is taken to dredge disposal sites to maintain the 45 feet of depth required by federal law.

How You Can Control Mosquitoes at Home
Unlike their saltmarsh cousins who thrive in saltwater, container-breeding mosquitoes flourish wherever standing water is present. A kiddie pool, a tire, and a pet’s water bowl are all potential breeding grounds. Making sure to drain containers while they are not in use can help limit exposure to mosquitoes around your home. Additionally, wear long clothing and apply mosquito repellent if you will be outside for a prolonged period of time.

For more tips and information:

Taxonomist Ed Harne of the Charleston County Mosquito Control Division explains the Citizen Awareness Program in Charleston County. 

03012016edharneinterview_citizen_awareness_programedit.mp3
SC: Flood & Recovery coverage is made possible in part by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

  An excerpt from South Carolina Headlines on SC Public Radio – Mon, Mar 28, 2016:

excerpt_from_730_news__mar282016_.mp3
SC: Flood & Recovery coverage is made possible in part by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Vince Kolb-Lugo received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Spanish from Florida State University, where he worked at WVFS, Tallahassee. He has traveled to Europe, Africa, South America, and stepped foot in Asia. Vince lived, worked, and traveled throughout Spain for a couple of years before moving back to the states.