Mosquito Spraying Planned Thursday In Gloucester Township

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Mosquitoes can pack more than a nasty bite. They can also carry potentially life-threatening diseases. Just this month, West Nile virus was detected in mosquito pools in two counties — Somerset and Warren, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.

And one human case of Jamestown Canyon virus was confirmed in Sussex County in June. This is the first positive human case identified (and the 2nd case ever) in the state since 2015, state health officials confirmed.

To help keep these pesky bugs at bay, the Camden County Mosquito Control Commission will spray throughout Gloucester Township early Thursday morning. During the summer and fall months, the commission schedules on an as-needed basis based upon the results of their surveillance efforts and input from the public.

“Although it has been dry so far this week, we are forecasted to receive a considerable amount of precipitation over the next 72 hours,” said Commissioner Jeff Nash, liaison to the Camden County Mosquito Commission. “Mosquitos need standing water to breed, so the first thing you should do after any rain is check your yard and remove any standing water to help eliminate the threat. This simple act can help reduce the pest population in your neighborhood, and assist the efforts of the Camden County Mosquito Control Commission.”

The Camden County Mosquito Commission will conduct ULV "spraying" operations on Thursday, between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. in the following locations in Gloucester Township, weather permitting:

• Lincoln Ave.
• Washington Ave.
• Harrison Ave.
• Garfield Ave .
• Cleveland Ave.
• Warsaw Ave.
• Pulaski Ave.
• Julian Ave.
• Camden Ave.
• Coles Rd.
• Windy dr
• Juniper Ln.
• Juniper Ct.
• Buttonwood Ln.
• Cherry Circle
• Winter Ct.
• N. Sycracuse Dr.
• Colgate Dr.
• Rutgers Rd.
• Dartmouth Rd.
• Clemson Rd.
• S. Sycrcuse Dr.
• Purdue Pl.
• Douglas Dr.
• Hastings Rd.
• King George Rd.
• Lee Ann Rd.
• Trent Rd.
• Preston Rd.
• Salisbury Rd.
• Bancroft Rd.

The mosquito spray is not harmful to humans or pets, but you should avoid direct contact if you have respiratory concerns or are sensitive to irritants.

Residents should check their property for any object that holds water for more than a few days. All pre-adult mosquito stages (eggs, larvae, and pupae) must be in stagnant water in order to develop into adult mosquitoes.

• Swimming pools are a common problem. All pools must be checked and maintained to keep them mosquito-free. Swimming pools can breed mosquitoes within days after you stop adding chlorine or other disinfectant. Pool covers can catch rainwater and become a mosquito development site. Add a little chlorine to kill mosquitoes.
• Maintain screens to prevent adult mosquitoes from entering your home or business.
• Personal protection is strongly urged if you are outside when mosquitoes may be active—generally dawn and dusk. Insect repellants containing between 10-35% DEET are very effective, however, be sure to follow the label directions and take extra precautions with children and infants.

The Camden County Mosquito Commission suggests checking around your yard for mosquito breeding containers. The following is a checklist of tips to help eliminate mosquito breeding:

• Dispose of unnecessary containers that hold water. Containers you wish to save turn upside down or put holes in the bottom so all water drains out.
• Lift up flowerpots and dump the water from the dish underneath every week.
• Stock fish or add mosquito larvicide to ornamental ponds.
• Change water in bird baths, fountains, and animal troughs weekly.
• Screen vents to septic and other water tanks.
• Store large boats so they drain and small boats upside down. If covered, keep the tarp tight so water does not pool on top of the tarp.
• Do not dump leaves or grass clippings into a catch basin or streams.
• Do not allow water to collect on sagging tarps or awnings.
• Do not allow trashcan lids to fill with water.
• Check downspouts that are able to hold enough water to allow mosquito larvae to mature.

For more information, or to report a problem, contact the Camden County Mosquito Commission at 856-566-2945 or skeeters@camdencounty.com.