Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes, Hopatcong

The following is from Sussex County.

The Sussex County Department of Environmental & Public Health Services, Office of Mosquito Control, is urging people to protect themselves from mosquitoes by reducing mosquito habitats. Under the right environmental conditions, certain species of mosquitoes can develop and emerge as adults in as little as one week becoming quite a nuisance. More importantly, some species of adult mosquitoes can carry and transmit diseases such as West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

Small amounts of stagnant water provide an ideal location for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Residents can play a primary role in mosquito control by eliminating habitats where mosquitoes breed by following these tips:

• Cleaning roof gutters at least annually.
• Remove any unnecessary containers from the property (flower pots/trays, tires, toys, boats, buckets.)
• Drain and rinse birdbaths twice a week.
• Aerate and/or stock ornamental ponds with fish.
• Configure tarps to drain any rainwater.
• Close pools when not in use. Pool cover can collect rainwater and provide a habitat for mosquitoes.
• Please report abandoned or illegally dumped tires to the Office of Mosquito Control at 973-948-4545.

Maintaining artificial containers of stagnant water in which mosquitoes may breed is considered a public health nuisance as defined in NJSA 26:3-45 "Declaration and Abatement of Nuisances" and is subject to enforcement action by the County Health Department. (Link to PDF of Regulations)

For more information on how to protect yourself and your home, please call the Office of Mosquito Control at 973-948-4545 or visit www.sussex.nj.us/mosquito.