Mosquito Control Info, Warnings Provided By Washington Twp.

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Morris County residents will have a chance to learn how to protect themselves from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses when the Morris County Mosquito Control's traveling educational display visits the Washington Municipal Building next month.

The free exhibit will be on display Aug. 3 through Aug. 10 at the Washington Municipal Building and is designed to educate residents about mosquito prevention, breeding habits and the county's mosquito control efforts.

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Visitors can learn:

• How to keep themselves and their families safe from mosquito-borne diseases.
• Where mosquitoes live and breed.
• Answers to common questions about mosquitoes.
• How Morris County Mosquito Control's Integrated Pest Management program works.
• Practical prevention tips and free educational materials.

The family-friendly display is intended for residents of all ages and offers information on reducing mosquito populations around homes by eliminating standing water and understanding the habits of one of New Jersey's most common summer pests.

Morris County Mosquito Control encourages residents to stop by the exhibit to learn more about the services it provides throughout the county and the steps everyone can take to help reduce mosquito breeding.

For more information about the exhibit or mosquito control services, visit morrismosquito.org or call 973-285-6450.

Mosquito & Other Insect Prevention

Summer temperatures might mean beach days, picnics, and sun tanning for folks, but residents should always expect those seasonal uninvited guests — pests and insects.

Washington Township officials have issued a warning to residents regarding the rash of mosquitoes, ticks, and other creatures that inhabit the area in the summer months.

"Warmer weather brings more than sunshine—it also invites mosquitoes and ticks," a township statement said. "These tiny pests can carry big risks, like Lyme disease and West Nile virus."

According to the NJ Department of Health, mosquito-borne illnesses were "higher than average" throughout the state last year, with 14 reported cases of infected people.

In Morris County in 2024, a mosquito sample in Madison tested positive for West Nile virus. No humans were reported to have been infected, but officials warned residents to remain alert.

Below is a list of precautionary measures to avoid insect bites, provided by the Washington Township Health Office:

Defend with Repellent

• Use EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Apply to exposed skin and clothing (not under clothing or near eyes).
• Reapply after swimming or sweating.

Dress the Part

• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants when in wooded or grassy areas.
• Tuck pants into socks or boots to keep ticks off your legs.
• Consider permethrin-treated clothing for added protection.

Avoid Their Favorite Hangouts

• Empty standing water (buckets, flowerpots, kiddie pools) to stop mosquito breeding.
• Stick to the center of trails when hiking to avoid tick-heavy brush.
• Keep lawns mowed and leaf piles cleared.

Officials also recommend checking yourself for tick bites. Ticks like to set up shop behind people's ears, knees, and under arms, according to officials.

Health officials also recommend taking a shower within two hours of extended outdoor time.

If one is bitten by a tick, they should remove it with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping it closely to the skin and pulling steadily, officials said.

For more information on insect prevention, visit the NJ Department of Health's website.