Friday, June 23, 2017

Atlantic County Mosquito Control Fights the Bite with Added Resources

Mosquito season is here.

To help combat the annoying insects and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases including West Nile virus, Eastern Equine encephalitis and Zika, the Atlantic County Office of Mosquito Control is equipped with two new resources.

Atlantic County is one of five counties in the state that has recently received equipment from the State Mosquito Control Commission to hold mosquito-eating fish.

“Atlantic County is fortunate to have this new equipment to enhance our efforts,” stated County Executive Dennis Levinson. “Before our staff had to routinely travel to the state hatchery in Hackettstown to obtain the fish which could take as long as 8-hours round trip. This will make the operation even more cost effective and efficient.”

The Office of Mosquito Control has stocked nearly 11,000 mosquito-eating fish to date this year in stagnant bodies of water such as abandoned swimming pools, ornamental ponds, foundations and swamps. Each fish can consume hundreds of mosquito larvae each day thereby reducing mosquito populations from these common breeding grounds.

Atlantic County has also created a mosquito service request application for easy and efficient reporting of mosquito problems and locations of mosquito breeding sites from a smartphone, tablet or computer.

“We’re using technology to supplement our traditional customer service support. The mosquito app provides the public with access at all times,” explained Doug Abdill, Atlantic County Mosquito Control Superintendent.

The application was developed and tested over the winter in cooperation with the Atlantic County Office of Geographic Information Systems.

Citizens can access the service at www.atlantic-county.org/mosquito-app to report issues or problem areas and also include photos. The app can find your location or it can be submitted manually. All identifying information is kept confidential and will only be used if follow up is requested or needed.

These new resources are being used to enhance the normal methods of integrated pest management including chemical and biological controls, water management, source reduction, and public education.

Citizens are reminded to do their part in reducing mosquito populations by removing standing water from their properties which can easily accumulate in containers, rain gutters, tarps, tires, wading pools and more.

For more information about mosquito control and prevention, visit www.atlantic-county.org/mosquito-control or call (609) 645-5948.

County News