Preventing Mosquito bites

Once again, it is the time of year to Fight the Bite! There are two different, but equally important, steps to help you from getting bitten by mosquitoes.

1. Eliminate any standing water on your property. All mosquitoes use standing water to develop from the egg stage to the adult stage. Read the list of potential habitats for mosquito larvae.

2. Use insect repellants when you are outdoors. Whenever outdoors, use a mosquito repellent on exposed skin having one of the following active ingredients: picaridin, DEET, IR-3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow product label directions.

3. If you have a mosquito problem, submit a request for service to the County's Mosquito Control at 732-542-3639 or online.

Tick Bite Prevention

Be extra cautious in warmer months (April-September) when ticks are most active and know which ticks are most common in your area.

1. Avoid Direct Contact with Ticks

• Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
• Walk in the center of trails.

2. Repel Ticks on Skin and Clothing

• Use repellent that contains 20 percent or more DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin for protection that lasts several hours.
  • Always follow product instructions. Parents should apply this product to their children, avoiding hands, eyes, and mouth.
• Use products that contain permethrin on clothing. Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. It remains protective through several washings. Pre-treated clothing is available and may be protective longer.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an online tool to help you select the repellent that is best for you and your family.