FREEHOLD – April showers may bring May flowers, but when it rains seemingly endlessly in April, May and June it brings something more – mosquitoes.

 

The Monmouth County Mosquito Extermination Commission is asking residents to help combat mosquitoes and the possible spread of infection from mosquito bites 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.

 

“This has been an extremely wet spring, which means the mosquitoes have had the best conditions possible for breeding,” Freeholder Robert D. Clifton said. “Our Mosquito Extermination Commission has been very busy tracking and, where possible, eliminating these pests.”

 

Mosquito numbers in the county are among the highest that seen in the county for quite some time according to Mosquito Commission records that regularly track rainfall and its effects on mosquito populations. The records show that the ten inches of rain that have fallen since the beginning of May have elevated June populations to the seventh highest level in the past thirty years. The National Weather Service has reported that there has been 16.5 inches of rain since March 25, nearly half a foot above average.

 

“While these conditions are cause for concern, they should not be cause for alarm,” said Doug L. Guthrie Sr., superintendent of the Mosquito Extermination Commission. Mosquito Extermination Commission staff have been busy inspecting and treating many of the nearly 3,200 known sites in the county’s database. Inspectors and crews are not only checking the known sites but are responding as quickly as possible to new sites reported by the public.”

 

Additionally, the Commission’s pilot is treating the very large woodland and marsh areas throughout the county as often as weather permits the helicopter to fly. The surveillance staff is also trapping mosquitoes and testing them for the presence of disease.

 

Established in 1914, the Monmouth County Mosquito Extermination Commission has a long history of dealing with bad mosquito seasons with a professional response. It is recommended that homeowners and renters check their properties for standing water that mosquitoes need to complete their life cyclles.

 

 

 “Any area or container that holds water for a week or more has the potential to produce hundreds or even thousands of blood-seeking mosquitoes hungry for a meal,” Guthrie said. “Not only do they make outdoor activities uncomfortable, these pests can spread diseases such as West Nile virus. That’s why we advise people to get rid of unwanted containers like old tires, turning over buckets and refreshing the water at least weekly in items such as bird baths.”

 

Cleaning clogged roof gutters, fixing outdoor leaks and repairing broken or missing window screens are also important steps to take, Guthrie said. For areas of standing water too large for homeowners to tackle, Mosquito Extermination Commission inspectors are a telephone call or an e-mail away and will come out to evaluate and treat the problem.

 

In addition to these mosquito control methods, entomologists also stress the use of mosquito repellants when outdoors. Products with the active ingredients of DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR 3535 have been demonstrated to be effective in reducing the chances of being bitten by mosquitoes. The entomologists caution, however, to read and follow the product label directions as with all insect repellants.

 

The Monmouth County Mosquito Extermination Commission can be reached by calling (732) 542-3630. Visit them online at www.visitmomouth.com/ for more information or to arrange an inspection.

 

 

#     #     #