County Ramps Up Mosquito Control Efforts

Ocean County officials announced Monday that they were beginning to ramp up their mosquito control efforts for the season.

The Ocean County Mosquito Extermination Commission, which is celebrating its 100th year of existence in 2013, has started a surveillance program using light traps and landing rate counts that are collected around the county daily during the mosquito season.

The county's efforts include larvicide applications to control the pre-adult mosquito as well as biological controls, such as bacteria which affects larvae growth and the use of copepods, tiny creatures which feed on mosquito eggs, according to Richard Candeletti, Commission superintendent .

In some parts of the county, said Candeletti, the commission uses spray trucks, though it also has the use of two helicopters that can treat wide areas. The chemical used for spraying – both from trucks and helicopters – is known as BTI, a bacterial larvicide that attacks the mosquito larva.

"Most of our residents do not realize just how extensive our mosquito extermination program is," said Ocean County Freeholder Director Jack Kelly. " We take this threat very seriously and work to make certain our residents and visitors are safe from mosquitoes and the ongoing threat of West Nile Virus."

Last year, according to Ocean County Health Department statistics, eight county residents contracted the virus, with the final case being reported in early October. The virus, which is carried by mosquitoes, can range from producing few or no symptoms to serious symptoms, especially in cases of small children, the elderly or those with compromised immune systems, health experts say.

Ocean County officials say the local area is particularly at risk for larger influxes of mosquitoes due to the presence of large salt marshes where they can breed. This is where aerial control measures are used, said Candeletti, and in some cases crews have even worked to change the physical habitat to prevent breeding.

"Through a process known as Open Marsh Water Management, the problematic salt marsh areas can be managed through the use of amphibious equipment, to eliminate the mosquito production without the use of pesticides," Candeletti said. "Once completed, the areas become more useful to other members of the tidal food web, and remain in that state indefinitely."

Local Residents Play a Part, Too

The efforts of the public also plays a part in the war against mosquitoes, officials said.

New Jersey is home to a new type of mosquito called the Asian Tiger Mosquito, which can breed in many household-style items, including water bottles. In fact, the small pest, scientifically known as Aedes albopictus, can multiply in areas as small as a bottle cap filled with water.

Residents are being urged by the Ocean County Health Department to:

• Use an insect repellent containing DEET on skin or clothing when outdoors, or a repellent containing permethrin on clothing. "Do not use repellents on children less than 3-years-old," a fact sheet from the county says. "Always follow container directions."
• Remove standing water from properties.
• Limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are more active.