HORRY COUNTY, SC — Horry County officials are ramping up their battle against summer bugs, announcing that targeted aerial mosquito spraying is scheduled to begin Monday, June 1, 2026.
The aerial assault marks the next phase in the county’s annual vector control campaign, expanding treatment into areas that ground crews cannot easily reach.
According to Horry County Mosquito Control, the aerial operations will take place during peak mosquito activity hours—starting two hours before sunset and concluding two hours after sunset, weather permitting.
The airborne effort follows the launch of truck-mounted spraying, which began May 5. While the trucks handle localized street routes, the aircraft will target broader, more rural, or densely wooded zones outside the reach of the ground fleet.
County officials emphasized that spraying is not random. Treatment is deployed only where it is deemed strictly necessary, based on a specific set of scientific triggers:
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Sustained temperatures consistently holding above 50°F.
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Targeted inspections conducted in direct response to resident service requests.
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Mosquito trapping data collected from strategic monitoring locations across the county.
Weather Dependencies and Tracking
Because effective spraying relies heavily on Mother Nature, officials warn that the schedule must remain fluid. Rain, high winds, or shifting temperatures can cause sudden delays or cancellations.
How to Track Spraying in Your Area: Due to the unpredictable nature of ground routes, the county cannot provide specific notifications for truck spraying. However, planned aerial spraying schedules will be posted actively on Horry County’s social media channels and updated in real-time on the aerial mosquito spray map
Officials assured residents that Horry County exclusively uses products approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the South Carolina Department of Pesticide Regulation (SCDPR), both of which pose minimal risk to humans, pets, and larger animals.
However, for residents looking to minimize any potential exposure, health officials recommend the following precautions during scheduled spray windows:
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Stay indoors and keep windows and doors firmly closed.
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Bring pets inside during the designated four-hour evening window.
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Wash, scrub, or peel any homegrown fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.
The county is also taking steps to protect local pollinators. Beekeepers are strongly encouraged to contact Horry County Stormwater as soon as possible to log the exact locations of their colonies, allowing spray pilots to avoid those areas.
How to Request Service
Residents living in unincorporated areas of Horry County (outside of specific city limits) who are experiencing high mosquito activity can request an inspection or spraying.
Requests can be made by calling the Horry County Road & Drainage Hotline at 843.381.8000, or by submitting a formal service request online through the Horry County Stormwater Department website.
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