7 Easy Ways to Stop Mosquitos from Breeding in New Jersey
Summer is rapidly approaching, which means it is time for mosquitos to start breeding in New Jersey. Every time you step outside, you are likely going to be accosted by a swarm of hungry mosquitos looking for their next meal. They are not just a nuisance, they can be pretty dangerous with the diseases they tend to carry – not to mention the bites can be painful and itchy.
Anyone who lives or visits New Jersey knows these mosquito problems only worsen as the summer progresses. You don’t have to sacrifice your summer outdoors. There are a number of ways you can reduce the number of mosquitos that can end up breeding in your backyard and help you enjoy a mosquito-free summer.
Types of Mosquitos Found in New Jersey
The mosquito problem in New Jersey is growing rapidly year after year. With combined efforts from the local government and homeowners, the mosquito population can be kept under control. New Jersey is home to over 60 species of mosquitos, some being worse than others. Two mosquitos that are considered the greatest transmitter of dangerous diseases such as West Nile, Zika, and Yellow Fever are the Yellow Fever Mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus). A little more about these two, as well as some of the common species found in New Jersey, are:
Asian Tiger Mosquito
The Asian tiger is the top biting mosquito in New Jersey and is usually active from midsummer to October. This mosquito is easy to control as it tends to stay close to where it hatches and is prevented by removing stagnant water.
Yellow Fever Mosquito
The Yellow Fever Mosquito’s population is on the rise as rising temperatures have been creating an environment for a regular breeding ground. While the New Jersey winters are cold enough to kill much of the mosquito eggs, officials believe it will become more common as the summers and winters are both warm.
Indoor Flood Water Mosquito
The indoor floodwater mosquito can lay eggs that can lay dormant for years in the soil. Once the soil has enough water to create ideal conditions, the eggs will hatch.
Cattail Mosquitoes
The cattail mosquitos are one species that does not need water to breathe, and it attaches to cattails and other plants. The primary way to stop these mosquitos from breeding is to remove excessive cattail growth.
White-Footed Woods Mosquitos
The white-footed woods mosquito is one of the more common mosquitos as it can breed multiple generations in one year. It is also one of the breeds that is more aggressive towards humans and causes painful bites.
How to Stop Mosquitos from Breeding in New Jersey
Mosquitos can really limit the activities people can do outdoors and pose a serious threat to your health. Mosquitos can carry harmful diseases that can cause a lifetime of problems and even cause death. It’s safe to say you want to avoid them at all costs. The best way to protect yourself from invasive mosquitos is to be proactive by beginning with prevention.
Mosquitos require standing water to repopulate as mosquitoes lay their eggs in water and stay in water for up to 10 days. Standing water creates the perfect environment for a mosquito egg to complete its lifecycle. When working on preventive measures, the number one thing you should focus on is reducing the amount of standing water around your home.
1. Clean Clogged Gutters
Clean your gutters at least twice a year to prevent leaves and debris from backing up and creating standing water that cannot drain. Many homeowners and renters easily overlook cleaning roof gutters. Homeowners should do it in the spring and the fall to help prevent a breeding ground for mosquitos.
2. Keep Water Features Flowing
If you have a pond or a pool in your yard, it’s important to ensure the water is constantly moving. Mosquito eggs can only survive in stagnant water, and installing a feature such as a fountain or a water agitator can help prevent them from laying eggs. If you have a pool cover, ensure it is tight and in a place where it cannot collect water.
3. Dispose of Trash and Recycling that Maybe Lying Around
Anything that could collect rainwater around your home should be considered a potential mosquito breeding ground. Things such as tires, empty containers, buckets, etc., should be either removed or dumped after any rainfall.
4. Have Your Yard Landscaped to Eliminate Standing Water
Landscaping can prevent puddles from forming and mowing your lawn can remove places where mosquitos tend to rest. Keep up with your lawn care as often as possible.
5. Regularly Clean Birdbaths and Remove Excess Water from Planters
Birdbaths, if not in use, can quickly become stagnant. Change out the water regularly. All planters should have drainage holes to prevent water from pooling.
6. Store Small Pools and Wheelbarrows Indoors When Not in Use
If you are not currently using a kiddie pool or a wheelbarrow, be sure to take them into the garage or shed to prevent them from holding any rainwater.
7. Fix Any Leaky Pipes and Faucets
Leaking pipes and faucets create many problems beyond creating a breeding ground for mosquitos with standing water. You should check regularly and repair all leaky pipes on your property as soon as you notice an issue.
Sometimes even your best efforts to contain and prevent mosquitos from breeding don’t always do the trick. While the steps above can help to reduce the mosquito population significantly, it does not eliminate all of the adult mosquito population.
Efforts to remove the standing water can be challenging to keep up with, which is why you should consider hiring a professional to create a barrier around your home and eliminate the chance mosquitos will find standing water in the first place. Ned Stevens is the expert you need to help you protect your home from mosquitos and allow you to enjoy your outdoor activities. Contact us today!
