Mosquitoes are responsible for carrying diseases that can be transmitted to humans. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), humans can become infected with the West Nile Virus, Malaria, Yellow Fever, Dengue Fever, Rift Valley Fever, and several forms of encephalitis. If you live in New Jersey, you'll need to implement a few NJ mosquito control tips to protect yourself and your loved ones. Call Your Local Mosquito Control Commission The first thing I do each approaching summer is call my local Mosquito Control Commission. I let them know I would like to have my property sprayed, and they add me to their list. As soon as the temperatures are favorable, they come out and spray the area surrounding my home. This NJ mosquito control method is especially important to me, as my youngest daughter is allergic to mosquito bites. This doesn't completely rid my home of mosquitoes, but it does help reduce the mosquito population. Remove Any Breeding Sites Mosquitoes will breed anywhere there is stagnant water. Take a survey of your property to locate any possible mosquito breeding spots. For example, I hadn't realized that my bird bath was an ideal spot for mosquitoes to breed. Since I discovered this, I added a water agitator. This device keeps the water in the bird bath moving around so that it doesn't become stagnant. Other items to look for on your property that hold water include unused trash cans, pet water dishes, old tires, empty flower pots, and wheelbarrows. Make Use of Mosquito Dunks Mosquito dunks are necessary for the spots on your property that can't be drained of water. They contain a bacteria that is only toxic to mosquito larvae. It is safe to use around your pets and children. Some examples of places to put your mosquito dunks include rain barrels, gutters, swimming pools, small ponds and ditches, or bird baths (should you not wish to add the water agitator). Insect Zappers One NJ mosquito control method is to install an insect zapper, also sometimes called a bug zapper, on your property. The insect zapper is electronic. It emits a bright light that mosquitoes and other insects are attracted to. Once the mosquito touches the light, it is electrocuted. The only downside to owing an insect zapper is that beneficial insects, such as honey bees, may also be killed. Mosquito Repellents There are a wide range of mosquito repellents on the market that you can use as NJ mosquito control products. I prefer the repellents that contain DEET, although some parents opt for all-natural repellents that don't contain this chemical. I simply have my children dress in light clothing that is long-sleeved. Then, I spray the mosquito repellent on their clothing. This keeps the mosquitoes at bay without having to get the product directly on their skin. Some other mosquito repellent products to consider include citronella candles and torches. These are a good option for anyone who plans on having a summer barbecue or outdoor party. Use Chemicals for Large Mosquito Infestations If your home experiences a larger than average number of mosquitoes, you may need to resort to spraying your yard with a chemical that is effective against mosquitoes. Permethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and cyfluthrin are all good choices for killing mosquitoes. You can have a professional administer the mosquito killer, or you can do it yourself if you are careful enough to follow all of the instructions on the product label. Kill Any Mosquitoes That Enter the Home After you check to make sure your window and front door screens are free of holes, you may still get a stray mosquito or two that gets in the home. These mosquitoes can be killed with a simply fly swatter, or a squirt of a homemade insecticide. You can make your own insecticide by mixing eight ounces of warm water with one tablespoon of a liquid dish soap. For more on mosquito control in MJ, visit http://cavanaughspest.com

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