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 The County of
Union announced today it will enlist county residents in the annual war
against mosquito population. The county has several programs to manage
the mosquitoes, and residents are being asked to join the fight.
"The County of Union
devotes significant resources to monitor and control the mosquito
population" said Freeholder Chester Holmes. "There is the
potential for mosquitoes to spread disease to humans and animals, so
everyone must do their part to keep the numbers low."
The Union County Bureau of
Mosquito Control conducts surveillance from March to November, seeking
out potential breeding spots. Once the warm weather sets in, urban
backyards, suburban neighborhoods, and industrial areas can all provide
breeding grounds.
The Bureau of Mosquito Control
also collects mosquitoes from 26 New Jersey Light traps throughout Union
County, allowing the Bureau to identify places where mosquitoes are
breeding rapidly and target them for action.
All mosquitoes require standing
water (water that persists for four days), to develop. A female mosquito
needs only a tiny amount of standing water in which to breed. The eggs
hatch into larvae, which develop into mosquitoes in about two weeks.
One of . the most overlooked
problem areas is back yard swimming pools and pool covers. Other problem
areas include chronic ponding in yards, as well as in wooded areas.
Discarded tires and plastic buckets also provide some of the most ideal
breeding spots.
"The most effective way to
control the mosquito population is to eliminate breeding areas,"
said Freeholder Vice Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. "Residents can help
by checking their yards and neighborhoods for stagnant water and getting
rid of it."
There are many ways residents
can win the war on the mosquito population:
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Clean and chlorinate swimming pools,
and remove water that collects on pool covers. |
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Dispose of cans and plastic containers; turn
over empty flower pots, toys, and any other object that can hold
even small amounts of water. |
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Dispose of old tires, a favorite
breeding place for mosquitoes. |
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To prevent trash cans and recycling
containers from collecting water, keep tight lids on them, drill
holes in the bottom, or store them in an enclosed space. |
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Clean roof gutters regularly. |
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Empty out plastic wading pools at
least every three days. |
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Turn over wheelbarrows. |
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Change water in bird baths every three
days. |
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Use landscaping, fill in low areas
where water collects. |
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If ornamental ponds and fountains are in use,
ensure that the water is constantly circulating. Stock ponds
with larvae eating fish such as minnows, goldfish and mosquito
fish. |
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