August 2018 7
Mosquito Control on Kiawah a Joint Effort
Anyone who has been outside to enjoy the summer already knows that mosquito season is well underway in the Lowcountry . KICA makes mosquito control a high priority throughout the year . Find out about KICA ' s processes and what you can do to help limit mosquitoes on your property .
Mosquito Population Control
• KICA and Charleston County employ a variety of methods
• County uses aerial spraying ( via plane / helicopter ) throughout the county , and ground control in select areas ( visit charlestoncounty . org to view a treatment schedule )
• KICA provides all ground control on Kiawah
KICA Treatment Methods
• Island divided into 31 mosquito zones
• Staff treat storm drains with larvicide
• Larvicide treatments last approx . 150 days
• Staff perform weekly mosquito counts in each zone and on member request
• Counts determine whether specific zones require additional spray treatment
Larvicide treatments are typically only done once a year , during the warmer months . However , since last year , KICA treats twice annually ( March and August ), providing an extra 150 days ( close to one full year in total ) of protection . Also , the threshold for treatment based on mosquito counts has been lowered , meaning more coverage for more areas .
How You Can Help With all of the efforts of KICA and the County , there are still many things members can do to help keep the mosquito population under control and combat the spread of mosquitoborn diseases .
• Every three days , flush birdbaths , potted plant saucers and other containers that hold water
• Keep yard clean and cut
• Remove items from yard that hold water and are not needed outside
• Keep lawn and gardening equipment indoors
• Fix leaky faucets
• Keep gutters clean
• Change pet water dishes regularly
• Use bug repellent . OFF , Cutter , Sawyer , Ultrathon and Repel are all brands recommended by Center for Disease Control . Preventing bites in the first place is key to prevention of disease .
KICA will continue to monitor and treat mosquito populations in the area , working with Charleston County and others as needed . If you are experiencing mosquito problems at your property , contact KICA Lakes Department at 843-768-2315 / kicalakes @ kica . us .
Livability : Yard Maintenance and Debris
A clean , well-kept yard is important to maintaining and enhancing your property and neighborhood . Yard work of course creates debris that must be properly disposed of . KICA and the town have regulations regarding yard debris . Following is an overview .
• Yard debris is collect every Thursday by the town ' s contractor .
• Leaves and grass debris may be left in paper bags on your property ' s right-of-way at the street .
• Large amounts must be removed by you or your landscaper .
• Debris , including blown leaves , may not be left on KICA ' s easements , roads , rights-of-way or other properties ( even if undeveloped ).
Please speak with your landscaper to be sure they understand the regulations . Review KICA ' s regulations at kica . us / rules ( Section 9 of Rules and Regulations document ).
Digest Contributors Frances Boyd - Member Volunteer Virginia Chapel - Member Volunteer Bill Hindman - Member Volunteer Shauneen Hutchinson - Member Volunteer Sue Schaffer - Feature reporter Deb Stewart - Member Volunteer
Staff Production Team Doug Reynolds - Communications / Editor Emily Jenkins - Communications
Digest Mission Statement Kiawah Island Digest is an official communications tool of the Kiawah Island Community Association . Its mission is to accurately and effectively communicate information to the membership in a balanced and constructive manner .
Statement of Editorial Policy KICA will endeavor to report significant island news as well as informational topics , programs and events of interest to its members . KICA may from time to time publish editorials in support of its strategic objectives . Member suggestions on content should be submitted by email to communications @ kica . us