City of Columbia announces two West Nile alerts

The City of Columbia has been alerted of two dead birds found within the city limits that have tested positive for West Nile Virus. In response, personnel will begin applying larvicide to the affected area to limit new mosquitoes from hatching; continue conducting source reduction efforts for all possible breeding sites; and set mosquito surveillance traps in the affected area to test the mosquito population for prevalence of the virus. This work begins today, 9/18/18.

Spraying for adult mosquitoes will commence in these areas on 9/19/18 and will conclude on 9/20/18. 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 or tau-fluvalinate are asked to notify Vector Control staff by calling the City of Columbia Code Enforcement at 803-545-4229. All beekeepers also should call Code Enforcement to notify staff of their hives.

The first area (Spray Area 1) includes the Neighborhoods of Barhamville Estate, Booker Washington Heights, Celia Saxon, CICC, Colonial Heights, Edgewood, Jaggers Plaza, and the Jones McDonald Community Club.The second area (Spray Area 2) includes parts of the Central Rosewood, South Kilbourne, and the Edisto Court Neighborhoods.

Residents are urged to take these preventive measures to reduce the threat of mosquitoes:

• Use, according to the label instructions, EPA registered insect 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 the water in pet dishes, birdbaths and containers used to root plants at least once a week
• Make sure there are screens on rain barrels and use the water as soon as possible.