The Middlesex County Mosquito Extermination Commission which has been inspecting and treating sites throughout the county this season is requesting assistance from residents to controlling the mosquito problem.
Dr. Deepak Matadha, Superintendent of the Mosquito Extermination Commission, said many mosquito species come from large flood plains and swamps, which can best be controlled by NJDEP-licensed personnel employed by the commission. Experts use a comprehensive and integrated approach, which includes: mosquito surveillance, water management, biological control, chemical control and public education.
However, Dr. Matadha said, there may also be many small “mosquito breeding sites” in and around homes or places of business that individuals can eliminate to reduce mosquitoes. These man-made containers can produce the Asian tiger mosquito, an aggressive daytime biter which is now known to spread Zika.
The Asian tiger mosquito is currently the most important nuisance mosquito in the county. It is also one of the mosquitoes which is capable of transmitting new emerging diseases such as Chikungunya, Dengue & Zika. “To end the discomfort and disease that this mosquito can spread, residents need to practice good water sanitation on their properties,” said Dr. Matadha. Without standing or stagnant water, there will be no mosquito production in the area, since female mosquitoes have no place to lay eggs.
Some of the things residents can do to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites and prevent the spread of West Nile, Chikungunya and Zika viruses are:
- Eliminate or manage all sources of standing water to discourage mosquito breeding. Once a week, empty or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers.
- Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
- Cut down weeds, trim and maintain shrubs and grass to reduce adult mosquitoes harboring in vegetation.
- Stay inside at dawn, dusk and early evening when mosquitoes are most active.
- If you must be outdoors during these times, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Apply insect repellent containing EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and Oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD). Always apply according to label instructions.
- People travelling to Zika outbreak areas should take precautions to avoid being bitten by a mosquito.
- Even if you do not feel sick, travelers returning to the United States from an area with Zika should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for 3 weeks so they do not spread Zika to uninfected mosquitoes.
- Contact the Mosquito Commission (732-549-0665) if there is a significant mosquito problem or need additional information.
There are currently no spraying appointments in Dunellen scheduled at this time. You can learn more about the Middlesex County Mosquito Extermination on www.middlesexcountynj.gov. Search Mosquito Extermination Commission.