In the Fight With Mosquitoes, It's All About the Nest

While you're nursing some itchy, red whelps after this weekend's backyard cookout, there's a pretty easy routine that can help you avoid another round of mosquito bites next weekend.

Mosquitoes are usually just an annoyance. But they can carry diseases dangerous to us and our pets.

The real problem in the mosquito breeding process is sitting water. It's a nesting site for mosquitoes and it doesn't have to be a big pool of water, either, said Mary Anna Lewis of Mosquito Squad of the Lowcountry.

"Mosquitoes can lay eggs even in a bottle cap," she said.

You have to be thorough. "What we encourage is a pass through the yard after the sprinklers are finished or after a hard rain," Lewis said.

You’re looking for areas where water may have collected, like the saucer under potted plants and doggy bowls or inside larger items like a child’s sandbox. You’ll also want to get rid of excess leaves, firewood, or any other pile of debris that could collect water.

Lewis noted tarps that aren't tied tight can be an easy spot for mosquitoes to lay eggs. They either need to be fixed or removed.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control also warns to check for clogged rain gutters, noting this is one of the most often overlooked areas were mosquitoes can lay eggs. You'll also want to change the water in bird baths at lease once a week.

There are several different ways to treat a mosquito problem. DHEC has lots of information on individual mosquito sprays and what to look for. You can buy safe products to treat sitting water in your yard. Mosquito Squad and other local exterminators can also provide a regular yard treatment.