Friday, August 20, 2004

Mosquito Populations Expected To Increase

The Atlantic County Office of Mosquito Control reports that mosquito populations are expected to rise in some areas of the county as a result of recent heavy rains that flooded mosquito breeding areas along the salt marsh and fresh floodwater areas. The potential for more rain over the next several days increases the likelihood of such an increase.

The Office of Mosquito Control is responding by stepping up its ground and aerial spray activities to reduce higher than normal adult mosquito populations. This is done, as necessary, in addition to continual efforts to control newly hatched mosquito larvae in their breeding sites.

According to Mosquito Control Director Bill Reinert the goal is to eliminate mosquitoes before they emerge as adults. But depending upon weather and flooding conditions, mosquito populations can increase rapidly, hampering such efforts.

Reinert explained that the heavy rains that cause the problem also interfere with the ability to address it. "It's a catch-22 situation," he said. "The rains lead to greater numbers of mosquitoes, yet are often the reason we must postpone sprayings intended to reduce their numbers."

The county has been doing its best to schedule sprayings in between recurring thunderstorms, targeting the eastern portions of Galloway Township and Port Republic adjacent to mosquito breeding grounds where the highest concentration is found. According to Reinert, salt marsh mosquitoes are particularly aggressive to humans and have tested positive for West Nile virus.

While the county targets these larger breeding areas, the public is reminded to remove standing water from their properties by cleaning rain gutters, changing bird baths, emptying outdoor containers and kiddie pools. "Residents can help significantly by controlling mosquitoes around their homes and properties," said Reinert.

Atlantic County residents are advised to contact the Office of Mosquito Control at (609) 645-5948 to report suspected mosquito breeding areas. For information on mosquito control spray activities, residents may call 1-877-643-2287 or visit the Atlantic County Web site at: www.aclink.org/PublicWorks/mosquito.

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