Protecting Your Home from Mosquitoes

The Kenilworth Health Officer is advising residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes by reducing mosquito habitats around their homes. Under the right environmental conditions, certain species of mosquitoes can develop and emerge as adults in as little as one week. More importantly, some species of adult mosquitoes can carry and transmit diseases such as West Nile virus (WNV), eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and St. Louis encephalitis (SLE). 

Due to the recent rainfall and flooding, there may be more mosquito-breeding habitats. Small amounts of stagnant water provide an ideal location for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Residents play an important 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 incidental rainwater.
• Close pools when not in use. Pool covers can collect rainwater and provide a habitat for mosquitoes.

In addition, residents should:

• Avoid mosquito-infested areas at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear protective clothing such as long pants and long sleeve shirts when outdoors.
• Wear insect repellant, preferably one that contains DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow label directions.
• Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

For more information contact the Kenilworth Health Department at 908-276-2740 or [email protected]