Vector Control
What is a vector?
Vectors are organisms such as ticks, fleas, flies, rats, and mosquitoes that can spread diseases to humans.
Richland County treats mosquitoes and, in some cases, rats using integrated surveillance and control methods. While we do not treat for fleas and ticks, we do offer advice and technical help to residents dealing with these pests.
Mosquito Control
Mosquito control is the biggest part of what we do. In the summer, we respond to mosquito complaints. Our inspectors visit reported areas to locate and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
Note: We do not provide backyard spraying. Private pest control companies offer this service. We do educate residents on how to stay safe from diseases like West Nile virus.
Complaints and Inspections
During summer, we respond to mosquito complaints. Inspectors visit the site, locate the source, and help residents take preventive action.
Surveillance
We monitor mosquito activity in 22 of the most populated zones using light traps and rain gauges. We work with the SC Department of Public Health to test mosquito samples and dead birds for disease. This helps us decide where and when to act.
Larviciding
We target mosquitoes when they are still in water. Larviciding is done at sites mapped and tracked throughout the mosquito season. We use oils, films, biological products, and even mosquito fish to stop mosquito development early.
Adulticiding
Adulticiding means spraying for adult mosquitoes. We spray at night using data to determine the areas most in need. We use permethrin-based products that break down quickly and are effective in reducing mosquito numbers.
Source Reduction
Some mosquitoes, like tiger mosquitoes, breed only in small water containers. Spraying doesn’t work well for these. Instead, we survey neighborhoods, remove breeding containers, and teach residents how to prevent mosquitoes around their homes.
Community Education
We offer educational talks to schools, HOAs, clubs, and churches. These talks explain how to protect against mosquitoes and promote community efforts in mosquito control.
Beekeeper Information
We want to protect pollinators like honeybees. Each March, we update hive locations and contact beekeepers. If you are a new beekeeper, call the Ombudsman’s office at 803-929-6000 with your hive location. We'll mark it on our maps. During emergencies like hurricanes, this helps us protect your hives if aerial spraying is needed.