BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Mosquitos can spread potentially fatal illnesses to humans, so Bergen County is continuing to spray to prevent new ones from hatching.
Recently, "multiple pools of mosquitoes across Bergen County have tested positive for West Nile Virus," County Executive Jim Tedesco said this week, although the area hasn't documented any spread to humans yet.
Thirty-two states have reported human cases this year, with none reported so far in New Jersey or New England.
Mosquitos lay eggs in standing water, and the frequent rains may have created more pools.
The county is continuing this summer's "Bergen Bites Back" initiative to control and eliminate mosquito breeding.
They also want to educate the public, they said.
Dangerous mosquito-borne illnesses in New Jersey include encephalitis and West Nile virus, although the majority of people may not know they have the latter. But it's important to know the symptoms so people with a virus can get treatment. (More details about mosquito-borne illnesses in the Garden State are here.)
The county has been spraying various towns in early morning hours and asking residents to keep their windows closed.
Bogota and Hackensack are the next two towns to be sprayed, the county has said. Residents should keep their windows closed early Thursday morning from 3 to 6 p.m.
The county has said, "In compliance with N.J.A.C. Title 7, Chapter 30 the Bergen County Mosquito & Vector Control BCMC may be applying insecticides for the control of adult mosquito populations on an area-wide basis, as needed, throughout Bergen County during the period of April 30, 2026, through Oct. 31."
The following adult mosquito control products are applied from the ground by truck, handheld equipment, or aircraft, all using low volume (LV) or ultra-low volume (ULV) techniques:
The map of the spray area and additional information can be found at: Truck Spray Schedule – Bergen County, NJ – Official Website
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Ridgewood Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.