the Ridgewood Health Department
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Health Department reminds you that warm weather with all this rain you need to be aware of standing water and the mosquitoes that breed there. Reducing mosquito populations, and the diseases they sometimes carry can be as simple as dumping standing water on private property. However, not everyone is aware that standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes — and some residents are unmotivated to dump the water even if they are aware.
A warm February and a wet spring have created the optimal environment for mosquitoes to thrive in northern New Jersey. They have arrived earlier than usual and in abundance, say experts who recommend keeping repellent close and all outdoor areas free of stagnant water to keep mosquitoes from multiplying.
With mosquito season commencing in the United States, the Zika virus – and the mosquitoes that carry the virus – is a major concern. Zika is currently affecting more than 30 countries and territories in the Americas and Pacific Islands as well as Miami, FL. Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. The Aedes aegypti mosquito in New Jersey may also become infected. People and communities can take steps to reduce the number of mosquitoes in their homes and communities to protect themselves from Zika.
Warm weather and relaxing evenings spent in the backyard listening to the sounds of nature seem to go hand in hand. Unfortunately so does the droning buzz of the mosquito. No amount of slapping, whacking, or zapping seems to control the onslaught of these bloodsucking insects. It is more effective to prevent the mosquitoes from breeding.
Practice good preventive measures by eliminating any areas of standing water that aren’t necessary in your yard. Check for buckets, plant pots, forgotten soda bottles or any other container that may have filled from rain and discard the water.
Use this checklist to help you find and eliminate the places where mosquitoes breed around your home. Any container that holds water can be a home for mosquito larvae. After 7 days, larvae will become adult mosquitoes. Remember to stay aware and to keep containers free of standing water all year long.
COMMON HOUSEHOLD ITEMS ACTIONS
Buckets Empty buckets and turn them over.
Garbage cans and recycling bins Drill drainage holes in the bottoms of garbage cans and bins, keep covered and dispose of recycling weekly.
Tarps, plastic bags and sheets Keep tarps tight and refit them if water collects.
BUILDING STRUCTURES ACTIONS
Gutters Keep gutters clean and properly pitched.
Flexible downspout extensions Pitch downspout extensions so water drains completely after it rains or replace with a non-flexible extension that is pitched to drain fully. Keep the inside free of debris.
Leaky hose spigots Fix leak or call a professional plumber.
Decks and Porches Make sure to check under decks and porches for containers that may hold water.
CHILDREN’S TOYS ACTIONS
Portable basketball hoops Make sure caps for fill holes are in place; replace if lost.
Kiddie pools Empty or change the water every 5 – 7 days. Be sure to store indoors or turned over when not in use.
Sand boxes Drill small drainage holes in the bottom of the sand box.
Big plastic toys, wagons, etc. Keep toys turned over or inside when not in use. If water can get inside the toy, drill drainage holes in the bottom.
Deflated toys Drain off water, dry out, and store indoors when not in use.
AROUND THE GARDEN ACTIONS
Planter saucers Dump the water out every 3-5 days or don’t use a saucer.
Planters without drainage holes Drill holes in the bottom of your planter.
Self-watering planters Tightly seal the watering hole after adding water. If this is not possible, treat the reservoir water with a Bti* product. The most effective method for preventing mosquitoes is to not use these planters.
Wheelbarrows Turn wheelbarrows over or store them on end. Check weekly for crevices and empty any water found.
Watering Cans Empty and store upside down or in a garage or shed.
Rain Barrels Cover tops of rain barrels with tightly fitted screen. (Use nylon window screen and secure with a bungee cord or other tight elastic.) Mosquitoes will use the overflow hole to get in and lay their eggs; either plug hole or treat with a Bti* product
Bird Baths Change water at least once a week.
Decorative Ponds Get fish. If that is not an option, you can use Bti* to treat for mosquito larvae.
Behind the shed and under shrubs Look under bushes and in overlooked spots in the yard and remove debris that can hold water.
RECREATION ACTIONS
Boats Empty all the water possible. If there is water that can’t be emptied, you can treat it with a Bti* product. Cover boats in storage with taut tarps or use boat shrink wrap.
Jet skis Rinse out the foot depressions with a hose every week. Jet skis can be tightly tarped or stored indoors.
Pools/pool covers Treat the pool or pool cover with Bti* in the spring before you open it. If you know of an abandoned home in your neighborhood with an unkempt pool, contact your county mosquito control agency.
Add fish to your pond or aquatic pools. Gold fish and minnows will do a nice job of eating mosquito larvae, but Gambusia affinis, commonly called the mosquito fish, will do even better. If provided with adequate plants for the young to hide in, mosquito fish will reproduce quickly, and eliminate mosquito larvae.
Drop mosquito dunks containing Bacillus thuringiensis into the breeding area. These dunks will last up to 30 days and are safe for animals and children. They can even be used in watering troughs and water bowls. It may take up to 2 weeks before you see results, as these dunks target the larvae and prevent the larvae from hatching, interrupting the breeding cycle.
Use mosquito baits for immediate results. These work quickly, but their residual effects only last for 48 hours. They are a good choice for severe mosquito infestations and are best when used in conjunction with mosquito dunks.
Remember:
• The best way to combat mosquitoes is to kill them before they have a chance to hatch.
• Eliminate breeding areas by monitoring and removing standing water in your yard.