Department of Health and Human Services
Mosquito Control

MOSQUITO CONTROL - WHAT YOU CAN DO
By Gene Osias, Health Director

Warmer weather means more mosquitoes. As the small stagnant pools heat up, mosquito activity begins. It may not seem like much, but that small amount of water which has collected on the objects in your yard are like the Great Lakes to a mosquito. Even a blue tarp lying on the ground next to your house collects and holds enough water in the folds to produce thousands of mosquitoes.

What can you do? Mosquitoes need collected stagnant water to remain for approximately seven (7) days from the time their eggs are deposited in the water in order for adults to emerge. Therefore here is what you should do:

1. Turn over all outdoor toys, including wading pools, at least two times every week to empty collected rain water.

2. Pick up anything on the ground which collects water, such as plastic containers, tarps, tires, etc. Recycle these appropriately. The SCMUA will be conducting a program for used tires. A coupon will be published in the newspaper which will allow free disposal of up to 4 passenger or small truck tires. Their normal charge is $2.50/tire for these tires. Their facility is located at 34 So. Rt. 94, Lafayette, and their phone # is 579-6998.

3. Bird baths should be emptied and refilled at least twice/week.

4. Discuss with your neighbor the importance of looking around their yard for those containers which are holding water. It does not take much effort to keep them drained, or put away when not in use and the number of mosquitoes will be significantly reduced.

5. Decorative ponds may also be a source for mosquito breeding. Discuss proper measures to take with a firm knowledgeable in the maintenance and construction of these ponds.

6. Contact the Sussex County Division of Mosquito Control at 973-948-4545 if you know of natural areas which are holding water where there could be breeding mosquitoes. They will evaluate these areas and treat as necessary.

7. Contact the Vernon Health Department at 764-4055, if after discussing these steps with your neighbors, you feel there are objects on their property which are holding stagnant water and are not being maintained as outlined in this article.