News Summary
Horry County, SC will start truck-mounted mosquito spraying in response to increased mosquito populations following Tropical Storm Debby. The spraying is scheduled from Monday to Friday, before sunset. Aerial spraying is also planned, weather permitting. Residents are advised to take precautions, such as staying indoors during spraying times and washing produce. The county is addressing concerns about mosquito-borne diseases, with recent cases reported in the area. Beekeepers are encouraged to protect their hives during spraying operations.
Horry County, SC – Horry County Mosquito Control is set to initiate truck-mounted mosquito spraying Monday evening as part of a strategic response to a surge in mosquito populations following Tropical Storm Debby. The spraying will continue Monday through Friday from one hour before sunset to around 11:30 p.m., weather permitting.
The county employs only chemicals approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), which pose minimal risks to humans and animals. Residents with respiratory illnesses are advised to remain indoors and keep windows closed during spraying times to mitigate exposure. In addition, individuals with homegrown fruits and vegetables are instructed to wash or peel their produce before consumption after the spraying.
Aerial mosquito spraying is also scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings, dependent on favorable weather conditions. This aerial application is a critical element of the county’s mosquito abatement strategy, primarily implemented in response to observed increases in mosquito populations. The most recent aerial spraying occurred in September 2023 following Hurricane Idalia.
Although aerial spraying is less frequent than truck-mounted spraying, it covers significantly larger areas. A clear weather forecast is predicted; however, should conditions worsen, the sprayings scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday might be postponed to Friday.
For residents affected by mosquito populations, the Horry County Road & Drainage Hotline is available at 843-381-8000 to request spraying services for unincorporated areas. The mosquito control program is closely monitored, especially given recent concerns regarding mosquito-borne diseases. In 2024, Horry County has reported seven positive samples of West Nile Virus among local mosquito populations, while also confirming cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in a horse within the Conway area.
Though fewer than five cases of human mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past year, residents are urged to take preventative measures. Horse owners are specifically recommended to ensure that their animals are up to date on vaccinations to safeguard against disease transmission.
In light of the mosquito population increase, the county has reached out to local beekeepers to inform them of the upcoming aerial spraying. Beekeepers are encouraged to contact Horry County Stormwater to report the locations of their hives and to cover them during spraying operations to protect honeybee populations from potential chemical exposure. Additionally, beekeepers may submit opt-out requests for aerial spraying in cases where honeybee safety is a concern.
Residents are also encouraged to adopt home mosquito-reduction strategies, such as the “tip and toss” method, where standing water in planters and old tires is eliminated to decrease mosquito breeding grounds.
The county’s mosquito control efforts aim to ensure public health and safety concerning the risks of mosquito-borne illnesses. Comprehensive education and monitoring will continue as mosquito activity is assessed following the recent storm.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Myrtle Beach Reports Two Confirmed Cases of West Nile Virus, Increased Mosquito Control Efforts Announced
19-Year-Old Horse in South Carolina Tests Positive for West Nile Virus, Highlights Importance of Vaccination and Mosquito Control
Additional Resources
- WPDE News: Mosquito Spraying in Horry County
- Wikipedia: Mosquito
- Myrtle Beach Online: Aerial Spraying Against Mosquitos
- Google Search: Mosquito Control Horry County
- WPDE News: West Nile Virus in Myrtle Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mosquito
- WMBF News: Horry County Aerial Spray
- Google News: West Nile Virus Horry County
- WPDE News: Aerial Mosquito Spraying Schedule
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
