Standing water invites mosquitoes

TRENTON — With a wet spring coupled with the arrival of a hot summer, the N.J. Dept. of Environmental Protection reminds property owners of common-sense steps they can take to help reduce mosquito populations and the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses, Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe said.
"Protecting public health from disease-carrying mosquitoes is a very serious priority," Commissioner McCabe said. "In addition to measures taken by local and county mosquito agencies, we urge the public to diligently remove standing water from their properties and follow other measures that will reduce the risks of being bitten or becoming ill."
New Jersey's 21 county mosquito-control agencies use a variety of methods to combat mosquitoes: public awareness campaigns, larval-habitat-source-reduction programs, use of natural predators,and judicious application of approved insecticides.
To date this year, season mosquito testing reveals that both Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile virus are circulating within mosquito populations in New Jersey.
Even with dry weather, diseases can be spread as mosquitoes and birds share the same water sources, making it even more important for the public to remove sources of standing water in their yards that can serve as mosquito breeding grounds.
To reduce mosquito populations on your property:
Empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, bird baths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels and cans at least once or twice a week. Clear clogged rain gutters.
Check for and remove any containers or trash that may be difficult to see, such as under bushes, homes or around building exteriors.
Use EPA-registered insect repellents when outdoors, and wear protective clothing.
Stay in air-conditioned places or rooms with window screens that prevent access by mosquitoes.
Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots and similar water-holding containers that have accumulated on your property.
Drill holes in the bottom and elevate recycling containers that are left outdoors.
Repair and clean storm-damaged roof gutters, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees tend to clog drains. Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
Turn over wheelbarrows and plastic wading pools when not in use.
Don’t allow water to stagnate in bird baths.
Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, including those not in use. Mosquitoes can breed in the water that collects on pool covers.
Repair and maintain barriers, such as window and door screens, to prevent mosquitoes from entering buildings. Barriers over rain barrels or cistern and septic pipes will prevent female mosquitoes from laying eggs on water.
To learn more about the New Jersey Mosquito Control Commission and for links to county commissions, visit www.nj.gov/dep/mosquito
For information on how to prevent mosquito bites and illness, or to mosquito-proof your home and yard, visit http://nj.gov/health/cd/documents/faq/mosquito_checklist.pdf or http://nj.gov/health/cd/documents/topics/vectorborne/C2506--Mosquito-borne%20Diseases%20Brochure.pdf