Camco Steps Up Mosquito Spraying, Offers Tips

The Camden County Mosquito Commission regularly checks several thousand suspected mosquito breeding sites across the county. Mosquito spraying is scheduled on an as-needed basis based upon the results of their surveillance efforts, according to a news release from the Camden County Mosquito Commission.

“Our county mosquito commission works with the Public Health Environmental Laboratories in Trenton to verify the presence of West Nile virus in their samples,” said Freeholder Jeffrey Nash, liaison to the Camden County Mosquito Commission. “When a pool tests positive for , the mosquito commission returns within 24 hours to spray the area.”

This week, the Camden County Mosquito Commission conducted sprayings in Camden, Cherry Hill, Lindenwold, Pennsauken, Voorhees and Winslow. Last week, spraying took place in Barrington, Haddon Heights, Lawnside and Mt. Ephraim. The sprayings take place in the evening when the mosquitoes are most active.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the main route of human infection with West Nile virus is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Individuals over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of West Nile virus, and should take special care to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

In New Jersey, West Nile virus has been detected in the Asian tiger  mosquito, which has the ability to thrive in relatively small amounts of water. It also feeds during the day, in addition to dusk and dawn.

“Asian tiger mosquitoes do not fly far. If you are being bothered by them, they’re breeding nearby,” said Nash. “The most effective way to control Asian tiger mosquitoes is to stop their life cycle by eliminating their habitat.”

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 small boats upside down and large boats so they drain. 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.

“The Camden County Mosquito Commission encourages residents to continue to safeguard against the pests,” said Nash. “While the chance of becoming ill is relatively small, there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family.”

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