| DEP ACTIVATES
TOLL-FREE NUMBER FOR PUBLIC
Mosquito Control Agencies
Provide Information
TRENTON (05/87)- New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced
a new toll-free number for contacting county mosquito control
agencies. With the mosquito season upon us, and the concern presented
by West Nile Virus (WNV) and other mosquito borne diseases, county
mosquito control agencies can provide information about environmentally
safe and appropriate ways to control mosquitoes.
The new toll- free number directs callers to the appropriate
county mosquito control agency in their area. The number is 1-888-NO-NJ-WNV
(1-888-666-5968).
"Rather than misuse or over apply insecticides and repellants,
New Jersey residents should contact their county mosquito control
agencies who are trained, licensed and permitted to perform a
variety of mosquito control activities and can provide helpful
guidance to local residents and businesses," said Commissioner
Campbell.
Now that the mosquito season is here, Commissioner Campbell is
also reminding members of the public to take common sense steps
to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Steps include wearing long-sleeve
shirts and pants when outdoors, particularly at dusk and dawn;
making sure screens on windows and doors are in good repair; and
applying appropriate insect repellant when going outdoors.
Since March, mosquito larvae have been actively developing. Both
state and county government mosquito control agencies are surveying
for and applying control strategies to prevent the emergence of
mosquitoes to the flying adult stage. Control methods include
the stocking of mosquito-eating fish that consume the larvae and
the application of targeted, low-impact insecticides.
DEP will continue to work with the New Jersey Departments of
Health and Senior Services and Agriculture, as well as Rutgers
University and the 21 County Mosquito Control Agencies, to control
mosquitoes that may transmit West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine
Encephalitis.
Interested members of the public can call the toll-free number
to find out the schedules for any spraying that is performed as
a last resort to control adult flying mosquitoes.
To learn more about mosquito control, visit the DEP Web site
at: http://www.nj.gov/dep/mosquito
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