Mosquitoes

Most types of mosquitoes do not spread germs, but the ones that do can spread dangerous diseases.  West Nile, Zika, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and malaria are some of the most common viruses and have all occurred in the United States.  There are ways you can limit your exposure in and around your home and while traveling. 

Standing water is the biggest breeding ground for mosquitoes.  Frequently check your property for items that hold water like tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, fountains, birdbaths, ponds or trash containers.  Empty the water or store or dispose of them if unused.  Change the water in your fountain or birdbath every few days, and if you have a pond, stock it with fish.  If you have a body of water that cannot be emptied or covered, treat it with a larvicide.  

Other ways to prevent contact with mosquitoes are with the use of well-fitting screens and weather stripping around your windows and doors.  Use an insecticide in dark, humid areas such as under patio furniture and carports.  Try to avoid being outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.  Wear long sleeves and pants while outside, and use repellents such as DEET, Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and Icaridin outside the US), IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), Para-menthane-diol (PMD) or 2-undecanone.

For the community, the Health Department and Somerset County Mosquito Control work very closely to identify areas of risk and to arrange for treatment as appropriate.  For information on how the county implements mosquito control, click here.

For more information, visit cdc.gov/mosquitoes.