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28 Jun ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO ENCOURAGES PROPERTY OWNERS TO HELP IN THE BATTLE TO CONTROL MOSQUITOES Simple Measures to Eliminate Standing Water and Mosquito Breeding Habitats are Highlighted during National Mosquito Awareness Week

Posted at 15:32h in Press Release by

Published on June 28, 2018

Essex County, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced that June 24th to June 30th has been declared as National Mosquito Awareness Week. The Executive noted that the Essex County Division of Mosquito Control/Environmental Services conducts mosquito control measures throughout the year, but property owners can help control the mosquito population by eliminating any standing water from their properties.

“Even though our public works staff works 12 months a year to combat mosquitoes, we need the support and assistance from residential and commercial property owners for our prevention initiative to be truly effective. Mosquitoes lay their eggs ins standing water, so by simply emptying stagnant water from tires, bottles or pools eliminates conditions in which mosquitoes breed,” DiVincenzo said.

The following are some easy tips provided by the American Mosquito Control Association that property owners can follow to eliminate standing water on their properties and help in the fight against mosquitoes:

  • Dispose of any unused tires. Water that collects in unused tires can breed thousands of mosquitoes.
  • Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers.
  • Clear roof gutters of debris.
  • Clean pet water dishes regularly.
  • Check and empty water from children’s toys.
  • Repair leaky outdoor faucets.
  • Change the water in bird baths at least once a week.
  • Turn over canoes and other boats when they are not in use.
  • Avoid water collecting on pool covers.
  • Empty water collected in tarps around the yard or on woodpiles.
  • Plug tree holes.
  • Even the smallest of containers that can collect water can breed hundreds to thousands of mosquitoes. They don’t need much water to lay their eggs, and can do so in bottles, barrels, buckets, overturned garbage can lids, etc.)

To avoid getting bitten by a mosquito:

  • Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing.
  • When practical, wear long sleeved shirts and pants.