The New Jersey Mosquito Control Association works to develop effective and environmentally sound mosquito control activities across the 21 county mosquito control programs in NJ. We promote education on mosquitoes and responsible mosquito control. And we encourage collaboration with state and local partners in the interest of controlling mosquitoes and mosquito borne diseases in New Jersey. ��

West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine encephalitis (EEE) are the primary diseases that can be transmitted by mosquitoes in New Jersey. WNV was first identified in the United States in New York City and surrounding areas in the fall of 1999.

The mosquitoes involved in WNV transmission are Culex mosquitoes that are commonly found around homes and urban areas, whereas EEE is circulated by mosquitoes inhabiting hardwood swamps. Both WNV and EEE can pose a significant threat to very young and old individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. Both diseases circulate in mosquitoes and wild bird populations.

Many other mosquito borne diseases occur throughout the world. Malaria is the most important mosquito borne disease worldwide. It was considered eradicated from the United States in 1951 through an intensive public health and mosquito control campaign.

Dengue and Zika viruses are transmitted by certain species of Aedes mosquitoes in tropical and sub-tropical areas and transmission occasionally occurs in the southern United States.

Mosquitoes lay eggs on or near water surfaces. Eggs may hatch soon after oviposition or following rains or tidal flooding.

Some mosquitoes only need a small amount of water to lay eggs. Items in the backyard like bowls, cups, fountains, tires, barrels, vases, or any other item that can hold water can be habitats for mosquito larvae.

Larvae live in the water and feed on microorganisms for as little as 5 days before they develop into adult mosquitoes.

Adult female mosquitoes bite people and animals. Mosquitoes need blood to produce eggs. After feeding, female mosquitoes look for more sources of water to lay eggs.

There are more than 63 mosquito species found in New Jersey. All mosquitoes begin their life in standing water and different species occupy different types of habitats. These include natural areas like swamps, floodwater areas, and salt marshes, as well as non-natural habitats like storm drains, unused swimming pools, and backyard “containers” that fill with water when it rains.

Research and Cooperation. The Association works closely with Rutgers University, the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, and the 21 County Mosquito Control agencies towards the advancement of effective and environmentally responsible mosquito control practices.

Public Education. The Association exhibits at public functions to promote education on mosquito biology, mosquito borne diseases, mosquito control practices, and mosquito prevention.

Training. The Association holds annual training sessions to review updated mosquito control practices and regulations. Continuing education credits are provided to fulfill public health and pesticide applicator licensing requirements.

Scholarships. The Association offers 3 scholarships to support students interested in pursuing academic studies in the field of mosquito or disease vector biology or control. The available scholarships include the Daniel M. Jobbins Scholarship (for graduate students), the Educational Scholarship (for undergraduate students) and the College Scholarship (for high school seniors/ graduates entering college).

Annual Meeting. The Association holds an annual meeting to present research findings on biology, water management practices, and strategies to control mosquitoes and other arthropod pests of public health significance. Academic, industry, and government officials report on research findings, technological advancements, and status updates on key mosquitoes and diseases. Information presented at these meetings are published in the Annual Proceedings of the New Jersey Mosquito Control Association.

Prevent mosquitoes around your home

• Remove standing water in the back yard.
• Once a week turn over or throw out any items that hold water like tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers.
• Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, cisterns, rain barrels) so mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs.
• For containers without lids, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
• Use a Bti dunk used to kill mosquito larvae.

Use EPA- approved mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus, or 2-undecanone. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-insect-repellent-right-you.