West Nile Virus Evidence Surges in New Jersey Mosquito Hot Spots
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, As New Jersey approaches the peak of West Nile virus season, health officials and county labs are reporting above-average virus activity across surveillance traps statewide.
Urban areas—including Bergen, Hudson, and Union counties—have emerged as key hot spots due to dense populations of disease-carrying mosquito species like Culex and Asian Tiger mosquitoes. In recent lab testing by the Bergen County Office of Mosquito & Vector Control, nearly all sampled mosquito “pools” tested positive for West Nile virus.
How Officials Track Mosquito Activity
To monitor disease spread, entomologists use specialized traps across the county:
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“Stink Water” Traps: Baited with fermented grass and water, these traps lure Culex mosquitoes—the primary vectors for West Nile.
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Human-Sweat Scented Traps: Designed to attract Asian Tiger mosquitoes, another aggressive biting vector.
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Statewide Surveillance: Out of more than 5,300 mosquito pools tested across 19 of New Jersey’s 21 counties, hundreds have confirmed positive West Nile virus activity.
How Bergen County Is Fighting Back
Founded in 1914, the Bergen County Office of Mosquito & Vector Control uses a three-tier strategy to keep mosquito populations down while minimizing environmental impact:
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Larval Control (“Bergen Bites Back”): Rather than waiting for adult mosquitoes to fly, early-stage larvae (“wrigglers”) are targeted using Vectobac—a safe, biological larvicide—sprayed over neighborhoods during pre-dawn hours via ground equipment and helicopters.
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Biological Controls: Biological larvicide minnows are deployed into lakes and ponds to naturally devour mosquito larvae.
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Water Management: Drainage channels and waterways are maintained to prevent stagnant water accumulation across local municipalities.
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Adult Control (Last Resort): Truck-mounted sprayers are deployed to treat severe adult mosquito infestations when necessary.
Free Services & Actionable Steps for Residents
Mosquitoes can breed in standing water as small as a bottle cap. Residents can take simple steps to protect their homes and communities:
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Request Free Yard Spraying: Bergen County offers free individual yard inspection and spraying services upon request for local residents.
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Eliminate Standing Water: Routinely dump water from plant saucers, birdbaths, gutters, tarps, and outdoor toys.
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Maintain Swimming Pools: Ensure home pools are properly chlorinated and covered when not in use.
Health Note: While many infected individuals show no symptoms, West Nile virus can cause severe or fatal health complications, particularly among elderly and immunocompromised individuals.
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