Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mosquito?

A mosquito is a flying insect, belonging to the same insect order (Diptera) as the typical house fly. There are over 60 species of mosquitoes in New Jersey, 64 are currently on our state checklist, and most of these rely on blood meals from suitable animal hosts, including humans, in order to reproduce. Only female mosquitoes feed on blood. They need the protein in blood to develop their eggs. Both male and female mosquitoes will visit plants on a daily basis to feed on nectar for sustenance.

What is mosquito control?

Mosquito control aims to manage populations of mosquitoes through integrated pest management practices such as water management, biological control, insecticides, etc. The goal of mosquito control is to keep the population nuisance and disease carrying mosquitoes in check for the health and safety of our communities, not to eliminate mosquitoes altogether.

Why is mosquito control important to health and safety?

Mosquitoes have the ability to pick up, in some cases amplify, and then transmit a number of pathogens during their blood-feeding habits. As bloodsucking insects, mosquitoes can and do serve as important vectors (carriers) of viral, bacterial, and parasitic zoonotic diseases. Many of these vector-borne illnesses can be fatal and there have been outbreaks through the years when new pathogens have entered human communities. Some may still recall the Eastern Equine Encephalitis outbreak in 1959, or the more recent concerns over West Nile Virus and Zika Virus. Effective mosquito surveillance and control can prevent and address disease outbreaks.

When, Where, and How does mosquito control happen?

Mosquito control activity is a year-round effort. In New Jersey some mosquito species overwinter as adults, ready to feed, while others begin emerging in spring as the snow melts and temperatures remain above freezing. Mosquitoes in NJ are active throughout the warm weather until the hard frost reduces activity in late fall. Mosquito control agencies monitor their respective areas throughout the active season to address specific habitats where they know the mosquito population could become hazardous. For more specific questions you can contact your county mosquito agency.

Are mosquitoes dangerous?

Mosquitoes can spread pathogens which cause disease. They are also a nuisance and negatively impact outdoor activities. If you are concerned about mosquitoes as disease vectors or just as a nuisance, you can take personal precautions to prevent mosquito habitats on your property and prevent bites when you are outdoors. If you believe your mosquito issues extend beyond your individual control, you should contact your county’s mosquito control program, as they may be able to address wider-scale issues. If you are experiencing symptoms that you find concerning after spending time outdoors, or traveling abroad where you may have been bitten by mosquitoes, speak to a medical professional about the possibility of vector borne illnesses.

What about private mosquito control companies?

The purchase and use of pesticides is strictly regulated at the federal and state level. If you have concerns about the activities of private mosquito control companies, please refer to the NJDEP’s Bureau of Pesticide Compliance. They can be called at 609.984.6568

How can I learn more?

There are many resources available online if you are interested in topics related to mosquito biology and control, here are a few places to start:

Human and Animal Health

Mosquito Control Organizations

Reference Materials

Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Air Quality, Energy & Sustainability

Compliance & Enforcement

Climate and Flood Resilience

Natural & Historic Resources

Site Remediation & Waste Management

Water Resource Management

Watershed & Land Management

Office of the Commissioner