Why Burlington County, NJ Is Having A Mosquito Summer

Record Heat and Heavy Rain Have Created the Perfect Storm for Mosquitoes

Have you ever heard anyone talk about mosquitoes in the south?

Floridians will exaggerate, “As big as a bird!”

People from South Carolina will say, “You can’t go out at night.”

Georgians will tell you, “They attack you the second you come outside.”

It all sounds like hyperbole… until this year.

Now, the residents of Burlington County, New Jersey are seeing it firsthand. The mosquitoes in this part of the country are absolutely relentless. Whether you’re watching your kids play in the sprinklers in the backyard, grilling up steaks, or simply taking the dog for a walk, it seems like we’re losing the war and mosquitoes have taken over.

At ROSS Environmental Solutions, we’ve had a much higher volume of mosquito control calls this summer. Here’s why mosquitoes are thriving all throughout Burlington County. From Moorestown to Mount Laurel to Evesham Township, we are experiencing one of our worst mosquito seasons ever.

Why Mosquitoes Are Swarming in Burlington County This Summer

Mosquitoes thrive when 3 things are present:

• Water
• Extreme heat
• Humidity

That’s why mosquitoes flourish in the south. The south gets a ton of rain, have lots of waterfront areas, and have crazy hot summers that are 80 to 90% humidity.

Well, this summer, New Jersey has become a carbon copy of the south. Here’s what’s happening here:

• Heavy Rain — Every rainstorm leaves more standing water. Puddles. Clogged gutters. Bird baths. Kiddie pools. Standing water becomes the breeding grounds for mosquitoes to lay hundreds of eggs.
• Extreme Heat — It’s been a scorcher in Pemberton Township, Willingboro Township, and other areas of Burlington County. Hitting 104 degrees, the heat has been more than most residents can handle. But mosquitoes love it! As the temp rises, adult mosquitoes can reproduce more frequently. Entire mosquito generations can develop in just days.
• High Humidity — Mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid conditions. If it feels sticky outside, just know that mosquitoes are having a field day.

The Burlington County Division of Mosquito Control runs a countywide program targeting these same breeding conditions, but county spraying is built to knock down population-wide pressure, not to protect one specific property.

More Than An Itchy Bite, Mosquitoes Pose A Serious Threat

When asked the world’s deadliest animal, most people answer: sharks, rhinos, snakes, or spiders.

Not even close. Every year, the lowly mosquito is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide, which is why the CDC calls the mosquito the world’s deadliest animal. That makes mosquitoes one of the most dangerous pests in Burlington and all of New Jersey.

Mosquitoes can carry diseases that affect both humans and pets. Beyond Malaria, which is controlled in the U.S., here are the potential health risks:

• West Nile Virus — This is one of the most common mosquito-borne illnesses in New Jersey. Though most cases are mild, severe cases can lead to serious neurological complications.
• Heartworms in Dogs — Heartworms can be deadly for your canine friends. Every month, especially in the summer, make sure your dogs are on preventatives.
• Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) — Don’t be fooled by the name. EEE can affect a multitude of animals, as well as humans. Though rare, it’s a potentially life-threatening affliction.

Aside from the risk of disease, mosquitoes have a particularly painful bite. While you may not notice the initial bite, it can lead to severe itching, redness, and swelling. Breaking the skin of the mosquito bite can lead to a secondary bacterial infection.

How to Reduce Mosquitoes And Take Your Yard Back

If you’ve tried the candles, the mosquito repellent, the fans, and everything shy of wearing a turtleneck and slacks every time you go outside, it may be time to try some preventative measures.

Here are a few steps we recommend homeowners take to keep the mosquitoes out:

• Eliminate Standing Water — After every rainfall, empty outside containers. Keep bird baths cleaned regularly. Unclog gutters every couple of weeks. And correct any drainage issues.
• Maintain Your Landscaping — Mosquitoes tend to hide in tall grass, overgrown landscaping, and shaded areas. Therefore, do your best to keep your lawn mowed and remove any piles of brush.
• Know Their Busy Hours — Mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk. If spending time outdoors during those times, use an EPA-approved insect repellent or long-sleeved shirts.

Mosquitoes are only one piece of a bigger seasonal picture. Our year-round South Jersey pest control checklist walks through what to watch for month by month, and our post on what wakes up in your yard each spring covers the pests that show up right before mosquito season peaks.

Call ROSS Environmental Solutions for Your Most Effective Treatments

Don’t let mosquitoes trap you indoors all summer. ROSS Environmental Solutions provides effective mosquito control services throughout Burlington County, including Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Medford, Willingboro, and surrounding South Jersey communities.

Of course, our team will come out to spray your yard. But that’s only the start. We identify mosquito breeding areas, target shaded areas where mosquitoes thrive, and apply professional treatments designed to dramatically reduce mosquito populations. If you prefer an all-natural approach, ask about our Green Earth Program.

Call ROSS Environmental Solutions today at 1-866-981-1322 for a free mosquito control estimate. Then discover why so many Burlington County homeowners trust ROSS to keep their properties mosquito-free all season long.