State, County Need Your Help To Prevent Mosquito Invasion This Summer

The state and county need the help of every citizen to keep mosquitoes from breeding this year. Here are five things you need to do:

1. You Need To Dispose Of Old Tires: Old tires are the number one mosquito-breeding hazard in the country because they hold stagnant water where female mosquitoes lay their eggs. If you see abandoned tires anywhere in Morris County; in wooded areas, in streams, along the road, wherever, call the Mosquito Commission at 973 - 285-6450 so they can pick them up. “Tires can hold standing water creating the perfect habitat for many mosquitoes,” Kristian McMorland, superintendent of the Mosquito Commission said.  “Removing abandoned or illegally dumped tires not only helps to reduce mosquito levels and the threat of West Nile virus, but it improves environmental quality.” 
2. You Need To Seek Out Standing Water: Turn over or dispose of any water-collecting object you can find on your property: kiddie pool, wheelbarrow, pots, tin cans, etc.
3. You Need To Clean Your Gutters: Clean the leaves out of those clogged gutters. They can hold a large amount of stagnant water and they can produce millions of mosquitoes.
4. You Need To Monitor Your Pool: If your pool will be unused for any extended period of time, it must still be cleaned and chlorinated. The Department of Environmental Protection says that one swimming pool left for one month by a vacationing family can create a neighborhood-wide mosquito infestation. And it's not just the pool–mosquitoes can even breed in the water that collects on your swimming pool cover.
5. You Need To Drill, Baby Drill: If any of your garbage or recycling containers stay outdoors, be sure to drill holes in the bottom and elevate them so any water that gets in can run out.