Columbia to begin spraying for mosquitoes

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The City of Columbia will begin spraying for adult mosquitoes Friday after a dead bird, found in the city limits, tested positive for West Nile Virus.

Spraying is usually conducted between midnight and dawn, but the city said it could be conducted earlier depending on conditions.

Residents allergic to permethrin or tau-fluvalinate should contact Vector Control staff by calling the City of Columbia Code Enforcement at 803-545-4229. Beekeepers should call Code Enforcement to notify staff of hives.

The city advised preventative measures to reduce the threat of mosquitoes, including:

• Using EPA registered repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Clear drainage ditches of debris and weeds
• Pack tree holes with sand
• Clean clogged roof gutters
• Keep boats overturned, drained or covered (covers should not collect water)
• Stock ornamental ponds and water gardens with top-feeding minnows
• Properly maintain swimming pools
• Change water once a week in pet dishes, birdbaths and containers used to root plants
• Make sure there are screens on rain barrels and use the water as soon as possible.