Mosquitos – What Everyone Should Know

BID #: N/A

DUE: TBD

VALUE: TBD

100

Rating

Risk Rank

Green Risk

AI-Powered Lead Insights

Executive Summary

This document, provided by the Bergen County Mosquito Control Division, offers information and guidance on mosquito control. It details the mosquito life cycle, prevalent species in New Jersey, and diseases they transmit. The document emphasizes the importance of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, focusing on eliminating mosquito breeding areas and controlling larvae. It also provides homeowners with practical steps to reduce mosquito populations on their property, such as eliminating standing water and maintaining clean gutters. The Bergen County Mosquito Control Division can be contacted at (201) 634-2880 or (201) 634-2881 for further assistance or to report mosquito problems.

Web Content

Automated discovery link found on Wood-Ridge website.

Document Text

--- Document: Mosquitos – What Everyone Should Know Document ---
BERGEN COUNTY MOSQUITO CONTROL DIVISION
MOSQUITOES...WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW
Questions & Answers
What is the life cycle of mosquito?
Adult
Mosquitoes have four stages of development: egg, larva, pupa, and
adult. They spend their larval and pupal stages in water. Female
mosquitoes of most species deposit eggs on moist surfaces such as
mud or fallen leaves. Rain re-floods these surfaces and stimulates
the hatching of the eggs. Other mosquito species lay their eggs on
permanent water surfaces. Since the water source is constant, egg
hatching and larval development is an ongoing process. Mosquitoes
take approximately one week to develop from egg to adult. After
emerging from the aquatic stages, adult mosquitoes mate and
females seek a blood meal to obtain nutrients for egg development.
Only the female mosquitoes bite. Adult male mosquitoes feed on
plant nectar and die shortly after mating. The average life span for
Parparen
adult mosquitoes is 2 - 3 weeks.
How many kinds of mosquitoes are there?
March 2024
Larme
There are more than 63 mosquito species found in New Jersey. Fortunately, most mosquito species either do not prefer to
feed on humans or do not occur in high enough numbers to cause a problem. Between 24 and 28 problematic species
occur regularly throughout the County during the year.
What human diseases do mosquitoes transmit?
West Nile virus (WNV), St. Louis (SLE) and Eastern Equine encephalitis (EEE) are several diseases that can be
transmitted by mosquitoes found in Bergen County. WNV was first identified in the United States in New York City and
surrounding areas in the fall of 1999. The primary transmitter of WNV and SLE are mosquitoes commonly found
around homes. These mosquitoes will readily utilize tires or containers holding water. Both of these diseases can pose a
significant threat to the very young and old, as well as individuals with compromised immune systems. EEE, while rare
in Bergen County, is a more dangerous disease and is transmitted by mosquitoes that are produced in permanent swamps
and saltwater marshes.
What animal diseases do mosquitoes transmit?
Dogs and horses are also susceptible to mosquito-transmitted diseases. Dog heartworm is a serious threat to your pet's
life and is costly to treat once it is contracted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Fortunately, preventative
medicines are available to protect your dog from contracting heartworm. WNV and EEE are threats to horses as well as
to humans. Vaccines are also readily available to protect your horse against EEE and WNV. Contact your local
veterinarian for more information. WNV has also been responsible for the death of numerous birds, mostly in the wild
bird population.
BERGEN COUNTY MOSQUITO CONTROL DIVISION
March 2024
What does the Division do?
Bergen County has been performing mosquito control since 1914. Mosquito-borne disease control and quality of life
assurance are the principal concerns of the Division. The statutory mandate of the Division is "To perform all acts which
in its opinion may be necessary for the elimination of mosquito breeding areas, or which will tend to exterminate
mosquitoes within the county." The key to the Division's activities is a comprehensive surveillance program. The
presence of a mosquito problem must be documented before any control measures can be initiated. Emphasis is
placed on the elimination of mosquito production habitat and the control of mosquitoes while they are still in the
aquatic stages of their development.
What control efforts does the Division utilize?
The Division uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to controlling mosquitoes. An IPM program
employs various methods of control including, but not limited to: surveillance, water management, source
reduction, biological control, biological and man-made pesticides, and education. With an IPM strategy, control
efforts focus primarily on the immature, water-borne stages of the mosquito. These immature stages are more
concentrated and accessible than the adult mosquitoes, which disperse after emerging. The primary insecticide applied
from the ground is a bio-rational insecticide derived from the bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti),
which is specific to the mosquito's metabolism. Fish are available to the Division from the NJ Division of Fish &
Wildlife as part of the State Mosquito Control Commission's bio-control program. The fish available are fathead
minnows, banded killifish, sunfish, and mosquitofish. The Division will supply fish free of charge to any county resident
to control mosquitoes after NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) fish stocking criteria are
satisfied. The Division conducts year round water management (source reduction) projectsthat control mosquitoes
by eliminating mosquito habitat water. These operations are accomplished following the NJDEP Best Management
Practices manual. Hand labor and excavating equipment are utilized for this work. If surveillance indicates that a nuisance
level of mosquitoes is reached or disease is detected, a spray for adult mosquitoes may be applied by hand-held
sprayers, truck-mounted sprayers, or from the air. All pesticides used are registered for use in New Jersey with the US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the NJDEP. These products are also reviewed and recommended by
the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences/Rutgers
University.
What are the winter activities of the Mosquito Control Division?
Pesticides are not used to control mosquitoes during the winter when they are inactive. However, many other activities are
continued throughout the year. These include water management, necessary repairs and maintenance, and record keeping
on the past season's mosquito control activities. The inspection routes are revised to include new larval sources and
remove sources that no longer exist. Brush is removed to enable easy access to treat larval habitats during the following
mosquito season. Site evaluation is conducted on potential areas for fish stocking or for water management projects.
Beehives are located to prevent accidental pesticide exposure to honey bees during spray operations. Presentations are
made at public events on mosquitoes and mosquito control. Employees attend training classes to fulfill NJDEP pesticide
licensing requirements.
What can homeowners do?
•
•
6
Homeowners can control mosquitoes by eliminating standing water on their property. Any container holding
water is a potential source of mosquitoes and is likely to cause problems around your home. Of particular concern
are clogged gutters, scattered tires and unopened swimming pools. These tend to collect leaves and water and
provide very attractive habitats for mosquito larvae. Keep gutters clean and free-flowing. Remove or overturn
containers that may collect water.
Remove water from swimming pool covers. If pools are not covered, make sure the water is clean so it is not
attractive to mosquitoes. Natural depressions in your yard can hold water. They will not be a problem, however,
if the water disappears within 4 to 5 days. Artificial containers will remain wet for a much longer period of time.
If you wish to collect rainwater, tightly screen the tops of the containers to prevent mosquitoes from depositing
their eggs on the water surface. Items such as pet water bowls and birdbaths should be emptied and refilled at
least once a week.
Small depressions in your yard can be filled to prevent the collection of water. If larger wet areas exist on your
property, bring them to the attention of the Mosquito Control Division.
Make sure windows and door screens are properly fitted and holes are patched to prevent mosquitoes from
entering the house.
A wide variety of repellents are available to provide relief from mosquitoes and other insects. Always read and
follow the label before using any repellent.
What can I do if there are adult mosquitoes around my home?
If mosquitoes are causing a problem in your area, contact the Division office at (201) 634-2881. Staff will
investigate your call promptly. Each area is inspected to locate mosquito-production sources and to verify the presence of
adult mosquitoes. If an adult or larval mosquito problem is identified, insecticides may be applied for their control.
What pesticides are used to control mosquitoes?
The majority of the pesticides (insecticides) used are to control immature mosquitoes in the water. These insecticides may
be applied either by ground equipment or aircraft. If a major adult mosquito problem is identified, or if disease-carrying
mosquitoes are detected, an adulticide may be applied throughout the area of infestation. For more information regarding
the pesticides used for adult mosquito control, please refer to the accompanying NJDEP approved pesticide fact
sheets. Some of the insecticides used to control mosquitoes are also used to control other pests. However, the dosage rates
for mosquitoes are usually much lower, as low as 5/8ths of an ounce per acre to controlmosquito larvae.
Where can I find more specific information on spraying for adult mosquitoes in Bergen County and will I be
notified of the spraying?
All spraying for adult mosquitoes on more than 3 acres aggregate, whether conducted from the ground or air, will
be advertised in The Record and The Herald News. The advertisements will contain information such as intended
application dates, locations, contacts, and phone numbers. This information is also available by accessing the Bergen
Bites Back web page (https://www.co.bergen.nj.us/health-promotions/bergen-bites- back). Individual homeowners can
request to be notified prior to an adulticide application near their home. Contact the Division for details on the
procedure to request notification.
3-2024
MUNICIPALITIES ARE ENCOURGED TO SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH ALL RESIDENTS INTHEIR
COMMUNITY
BERGEN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS-MOSQUITO CONTROL
PUBLIC NOTICE
Mosquito Control is everyone's responsibility; please do your part by preventing mosquitoes from
breeding on your property. For more information on mosquitoes and mosquito control contact The
Bergen County Mosquito Control Program at 201-634-2880 or 201-634-2881 and or visit our website at
https://www.co.bergen.nj.us/public-works-mosquito-control/about-mosquito-control.
In compliance with Section 9.10 of the New Jersey Pesticide Control Code (N.J.A.C. Title 7, Chapter 30),
the Bergen County Mosquito Control Division (220 East Ridgewood Ave, Paramus, New Jersey 07652) will
be applying insecticides to reduce adult mosquito populations on an area-wide basis as needed
throughout Bergen County during the period from April 30, 2024 to October 31, 2024. The insecticides
used for adult mosquito control include:
•
DUET/DUET HD (Active Ingredients: prallethrin, sumithrin, PBO)
Zenivex (Active Ingredient: etofenprox)
•
Fyfanon (Active Ingredient: malathion)
•
Merus (Active Ingredient: pyrethrins)
These may be applied using truckmounted Ultra Low Volume (ULV) equipment or by helicopter. All
products will be applied according to product labeling and NJAES recommendations. Bergen County
Mosquito Control Division will apply a selective insecticide Vectobac 12AS (Active Ingredient: Bacillus
thuringiensis israelensis) by hand to portions of the Hohokus Brook and Saddle River to reduce biting black
flies in their larval stage. Larval black fly control will be performed from April 01 to September 30, 2024.
Upon request the Bergen County Mosquito Control shall provide a resident with notification at least 12
hours prior to the application, except for Quarantine and Disease Vector Control only, when conditions
necessitate insecticide applications sooner than that time. The phone number for updated information
on time and location of spray applications is 201-225-7000. Those seeking further information regarding
the Bergen County Mosquito Control activities are requested to contact Warren Staudinger, Division
Director (NJCPA License #58053A) or Matthew Bickerton, Entomologist (NJCPA License # 52099B) at 201-
634-2880 or 201-634-2881.
In case of pesticide emergency please contact the New Jersey Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
For routine pesticide-related health inquiries contact the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-
858-7378. For information on pesticide regulations, pesticide complaints, and health referrals contact the
New Jersey Pesticide Control Program at 1-609-984-6507.
BAL OF BERGEN COUNT
NEWW JERSEY
MOSQUITO HABITAT CHECKLIST
Container mosquitoes are the #1 mosquito
problem in Bergen County!
WATER +7 DAYS = MOSQUITOES
Use this checklist to help you find and eliminate all the places that mosquitoes breed around your home. Any container that holds
water can be a home for mosquito larvae. After 7 days, larvae will emerge as adult mosquitoes. Remember to stay vigilant and to
keep containers free of standing water all year long.
COMMON HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Buckets
Garbage cans and
recycling bins
Problem: Buckets are the most common mosquito habitats found at homes.
Solution: Empty buckets and turn them over.
Problem: Garbage cans, recycling bins, and recycled containers can hold water.
Solution: Drill drainage holes in the bottoms of garbage cans and bins, keep covered
and dispose of recycling weekly.
Tarps, plastic bags and Problem: When tarps are not fitted tightly, multiple pockets form and collect water.
Solution: Keep tarps tight and refit them if water collects.
sheets
BUILDING STRUCTURES
Gutters
Flexible downspout
extensions
Leaky hose spigots
Decks & Porches
AROUND THE GARDEN
Planter saucers
Planters without
drainage holes
Self-watering planters
Problem: Gutters hold water when clogged with leaves or improperly pitched. Plus
the leaf debris provides food for the larvae
Solution: Keep gutters clean and properly pitched.
Problem: Improper pitch and ridges cause these pipes to hold water.
Solution: Pitch downspout extensions so water drains completely after it rains or
replace with a non-flexible extension that is pitched to drain fully. Keep the inside free
of debris.
Problem: Water can accumulate below the faucet.
Solution: Fix leak or call a professional plumber.
Make sure to check under decks and porches for containers that may hold water.
Problem: If a plant saucer holds water for 5-7 days it will support mosquito larvae.
Solution: Dump the water out every 3-5 days or don't use a saucer at all.
Problem: Planters fill with water after heavy rains.
Solution: Drill holes in the bottom of your planter – it's healthier for your plants.
Problem: The hole used to water the plant is also used by the female mosquito to
access the water and lay eggs.
Solution: Tightly seal the watering hole after adding water. If this is not possible, treat
the reservoir water with a Bti* product. The most effective method for preventing
mosquitoes is to not use these planters.
Problem: Water collects in the main tub or small crevices inherent in their
construction.
Wheelbarrows
Solution: Turn wheelbarrows over or store them on end. If crevices present, check
weekly and move to empty any water you find.
Problem: Watering cans holding water for many days will attract egg laying
Watering Cans
mosquitoes.
Solution: Empty and store upside down or in a garage or shed.
Problem: Rain barrels conserve water but can also be a perfect home for mosquito
larvae.
Rain Barrels
Solution: Cover tops of rain barrels with tightly fitted screen. (Use nylon window
screen and secure with a bungee cord or other tight elastic.) Mosquitoes will use the
overflow hole to get in and lay their eggs; either plug hole or treat with a Bti* product.
Problem: Unless water is changed regularly, mosquito larvae flourish.
Bird Baths
Solution: Change water at least once a week.
Ornamental ponds
Problem: Ornamental ponds without fish provide a great home for mosquitoes.
Solution: Get fish. If that is not an option, you can use Bti* to treat for mosquito
larvae.
Behind the shed &
under the shrubs
Problem: Discarded and unattended items in hard to reach spaces can collect water.
Solution: Look under bushes and in overlooked spots in the yard and remove debris
that can hold water.
CHILDREN'S TOYS
Portable basketball
hoops
Problem: The fill holes in the base of a portable basketball hoop allow mosquitoes to
reach the water and lay eggs.
Solution: Make sure caps for fill holes are in place; replace if lost.
Kiddie pools
Problem: Kiddie pools can become mosquito habitat if the water is not changed often.
Solution: Empty or change water in kiddie pools every 5 - 7 days. Be sure to store
indoors or turned over when not in use.
Sand boxes
Problem: Water accumulates in some plastic sand boxes whether covered or not.
Solution: Drill small drainage holes in the bottom of your sand box.
Problem: Wagons, dump trucks, cars, kitchen sets, and playhouses all fill with rain
Big plastic toys,
water when left outside and, if left unchecked, will breed mosquitoes.
wagons, etc.
Solution: Keep toys turned over or inside when not in use. If water can get inside the
plastic toy so can a mosquito - drill drainage holes in the bottom.
Deflated toys
Problem: Like a tarp, a deflated toy (kiddie pool, bounce house, etc.) will create
multiple small pockets that fill with water and provide habitat for larvae.
Solution: Drain off water, dry out, and store indoors when not in use.
RECREATION
Boats
Jet skis
Pools/pool covers
Problem: There are many compartments on boats that can collect water. Even when
a boat itself doesn't hold water there can be containers left on a boat that do.
Solution: Empty all the water possible. If there is water that can't be emptied, you can
treat it with a Bti* product. Cover boats in storage with taut tarps or use boat shrink
wrap.
Problem: The foot depressions tend to hold water and provide a mosquito breeding
ground.
Solution: Rinse out the foot depressions with a hose every week. Jet skis can be
tightly tarped or stored indoors.
Problem: Pool covers and pool skimmer compartments filled with water breed
mosquitoes.
Solution: Treat the pool or pool cover with Bti* in the spring before you open it. If you
know of an abandoned home in your neighborhood with an unkept pool, call the
Bergen County Health Dept 201-634-2600. It may need to be treated or stocked with
fish that eat mosquito larvae.
* A note about Bti - Ideally, keep containers dry or discard if unneeded. If you do need to treat for mosquito larvae in a container, use the low
impact pesticide Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis). It is available at many hardware stores, pond supply stores and online. Bti effectively targets
mosquito larvae. It can be purchased as a granule, briquette, or liquid. Be sure to choose a product that is registered with the US EPA, labeled to use
for mosquito larva. Closely follow the directions on the label. You may only use these products on your property; if you see a source of standing
water elsewhere, call the Bergen County Mosquito Control Division.
SEAL OF BERGEN COUNT
NEW JERSEY
The primary strategy for mosquito control relies on an Integrated Pest Management approach
that focuses on controlling mosquito larvae versus broad control of adult mosquitoes. Much of
the effort is on source control-- reducing or eliminating the standing water where mosquito
larvae live. This checklist can help you do your part to control mosquitoes in your landscape.
Bergen County Executive
James J. Tedesco III
http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/497/Mosquito-Control
Bergen County Mosquito Division
Warren F. Staudinger
201-634-2880/2881