For Immediate Release:
August 21, 2024

Monmouth County to conduct mosquito control operation in Freehold Township on Aug. 21

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Monmouth County Mosquito Control Division will conduct a mosquito control operation in Freehold Township from 8:30-10:30 p.m. Aug. 21. Operations have been moved to nighttime hours as early morning temperatures are too cool to be effective.

“The Mosquito Control Division has detected Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus in mosquitoes collected in the Turkey Swamp Wildlife Management Area,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “Because EEE is a life-threatening disease, the Division will be conducting an operation to knock down any adult mosquitoes.”

The virus was picked up in Culiseta melanura, the bird-biting mosquito that amplifies the disease in the bird-mosquito cycle. Culiseta melanura develops in cedar swamp crypts - a habitat limited to the refuge. There will not be any extensive residential neighborhood operations at this time.

The treatment area is primarily restricted to the Turkey Swamp Wildlife Management Area, adjacent farms and select residential roads (Partners Lane and Crystal Court). The treatment area is south from Monmouth Road (Route 537) to the County border and east from Francis Mills Road to Siloam Road. County officials will be applying Zenivex using truck-mounted ULV application equipment.

“Because mid-August through mid-September is traditionally the peak season for mosquito-borne disease (West Nile virus and EEE), the Division advises all residents to protect themselves with repellent and/or to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors,” said Commissioner Susan M. Kiley, liaison to the Mosquito Control Division. “Residents should also be diligent in checking for containers holding water and empty any water that is found. Mosquito larvae thrive in standing water, even small amounts in plant saucers or tarp pockets. Everyone can participate in fighting the bite.”

Campers will be advised to use repellent (they should be using repellent for ticks anyway) and officials will target larviciding sites.

For additional information, call 732-542-3630 or www.visitmonmouth.com.