8 September 2016 7
Mosquito Control on Kiawah a Joint Effort
Mosquito season is well underway in the Lowcountry , and though there have been no documented mosquito-transmitted cases of Zika in South Carolina , reducing the risk of transmission is a priority . Here ’ s what KICA is doing to combat the mosquito population on the island , and what members can do the help .
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 , KICA doubled larvicide treatments this year , 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 repellant . 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 .
2016-17 Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club Handbook
The Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club ( KSEC ) mailed its 2016-2017 Handbook in June to property owners on both islands . While the Handbook is a popular community reference , its primary reason for publication is to help KSEC to provide grants to local charities . Over the past several years , KSEC has provided grants totaling $ 100,000 annually to child abuse prevention organizations , community service programs ( including housing , medical and hunger relief projects ), youth and education ( local schools and scholarships ), Americanism ( the flags displayed on patriotic holidays ) and for the highlyregarded Angel Oak Award . The 2015-2016 Grants are listed on Page 238 of the new handbook .
Even if you aren ’ t a member of the KSEC , you can help this project continue to support these worthy causes . Please remember to tell the advertisers you saw their ad and thank them for advertising . If you buy services or products from businesses that are not advertising in the Handbook , send an email to ks-exchangeclub @ outlook . com with the business name and a volunteer salesperson will contact them . If your business is not in the handbook , please consider placing an ad in next year ’ s edition .
Handbooks are also available for pick up during business hours at the Kiawah Island Municipal Center . Please review your listing for accuracy . If you are a new property owner or want to correct your current listing for the next publication , please visit ks-exchangeclub . com or email ks-exchangeclub @ outlook . com .