For Immediate Release:
May 22, 2014
County asks residents to help
reduce mosquito population
Checklist can help eliminate sources where mosquitoes breed
FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Mosquito Extermination Commission has created a
checklist to help residents identify and eliminate places in their yards where mosquitoes live and breed.
“Eliminating the sources of standing water outside your home is an effective way to control the local mosquito population,” said Freeholder Serena DiMaso, liaison to the Commission. “This new checklist provides a quick and easy guide to help residents identify the many mosquito breeding locations that may be in your backyard.”
Monmouth County’s Mosquito Habitat Checklist is available on www.visitmonmouth.com.
There are many things homeowners can do to reduce the mosquitoes found in their backyard and neighborhood:
- All standing water should be eliminated. Avoid over-watering lawns.
- Dispose of all useless containers and those that are saved should be turned upside down. Tires, especially, can breed thousands of mosquitoes.
- Recycling containers should have holes drilled into their bottom to allow for drainage of rainwater or have tight-fitting lids.
- Roof gutters and drainage ditches should be maintained and cleared of debris.
- Canoes and other boats should be covered or turned over for storage.
- Properly screening windows and doors will keep mosquitoes and other biting insects outside—away from you, your family and your pets.
“In the aftermath of a storm, new places can form for mosquitoes to breed such as piles of wet debris,” said DiMaso. “It is important to check your property regularly for new and reoccurring sources of standing water.”
Residents with pools, birdbaths and ponds are offered the following tips for mosquito control:
- Fish will readily eat mosquitoes and, therefore, should be placed in ornamental ponds.
- The water in bird baths and troughs should be changed weekly.
- Swimming pools and wading pools should be emptied or covered when not in use so water cannot collect in them (or the cover).
If you have a mosquito control problem or would like information call the Mosquito Extermination Commission at 732-542-3630 or visit their website at www.visitmonmouth.com.
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