Water is an integral part of a mosquito’s habitat. Mosquitoes go through four distinct stages in their life cycle: the egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Of these four stages, the first three occur in water. BCMA personnel check standing water throughout the county to determine if juvenile mosquitoes are present. When larvae or pupae are found, we apply environmentally friendly insecticides to the water. Obviously, eliminating the immature mosquitoes before they emerge as adults is our preferred means of control. Not only does it reduce the likelihood our citizens will be bitten by blood feeding adults, but it reduces the need for adulticide applications. Unfortunately there is no way to completely eliminate all of Berkeley County’s mosquitoes in their juvenile stages, so adult control remains a key component of our program.
Last modified: February 17, 2019
