For Immediate Release:

June 22, 2015

 

Summer rain sets up a long mosquito season

Are you doing your part to Fight the Bite?

 

FREEHOLD, NJ – Summer has only just officially begun, but already we have seen many days of heat and rain storms.  

“We’ve had an abundance of heat and rain, which means mosquitoes have had good conditions for breeding,” Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso said. “Our Mosquito Control is very busy tracking and, where possible, eliminating these summer pests. And there are many things residents can do to help rid them in their own back yards.”

You can help reduce the mosquito population by eliminating sources where mosquitoes live and breed. Eliminate any sources of standing water and don’t overwater your lawn. Dispose of all useless containers and those that must be kept should be turned upside down. Tires, especially, can provide a breeding place for thousands of mosquitoes.

The Monmouth County Mosquito Control is marking National Mosquito Awareness Week, June 21 to June 27, by asking residents to help combat mosquitoes by inspecting their properties for standing water. Any area or container that holds water for a week or more has the potential to produce hundreds or even thousands of mosquitoes looking for a meal.

“It is important to learn the ways to reduce your risks of being bitten by a mosquito,” said DiMaso. “There are many insect-borne diseases and taking steps to reduce your risk of getting bitten could save your life.”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says people can reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and, as a result, lower their exposure to insect-borne diseases by following some simple steps:

• When outdoors, apply insect repellent, following the label instructions – especially for use on children;
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever possible, and
• Avoid outdoor activity at peak mosquito times – dusk and dawn.

When enjoying the outdoors, whether at home or while traveling, make sure to always wear insect repellent. Repellents that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus will help protect you and your family from both ticks and mosquitoes.

“The best way to prevent a mosquito bite is to get rid of backyard larval mosquito habitats,” DiMaso said. “Getting rid of standing water in your yard is critical in this fight. The County has put together a Mosquito Habitat checklist to help identify all of the places where mosquitoes can breed in your own backyard. The checklist can be found on www.visitmonmouth.com.”

The Monmouth County Mosquito Control can be reached by calling 732-542-3630. Visit them online at www.visitmonmouth.com for more information or to arrange an inspection.

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