National Mosquito Control Awareness Week
June 15–21, 2025
Mosquito season is here—and so are the risks. Each year, National Mosquito Control Awareness Week (observed June 15–21 in 2025) highlights the importance of preventing mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
In Middlesex County, the invasive Asian tiger mosquito and local breeding conditions make prevention especially important. The Middlesex County Mosquito Extermination Commission is encouraging all residents to take simple, effective steps to protect themselves and their neighborhoods.
The 3 D’s of Mosquito Protection
Drain: Remove standing water from buckets, gutters, plant trays, toys, and trash lids
Dress: Wear long-sleeved, light-colored clothing when outdoors
Defend: Use EPA-registered repellents such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites and Breeding:
- Eliminate standing water: Empty buckets, flower pots, birdbaths, toys, and clogged gutters—mosquitoes can breed in just one inch of water.
- Check screens: Repair or replace any torn or damaged door and window screens.
- Report mosquito issues: Visit www.middlesexmosquito.org or call 732-549-0665 to report standing water or mosquito activity.
Protecting Pets and Children
- Empty or change water in kiddie pools every 5–7 days
- Drill drainage holes in outdoor toys, basketball hoops, and sandboxes
- Flip wagons, wheelbarrows, and other items upside down when not in use
- Dogs are at risk of heartworm from mosquito bites — consult your veterinarian
- Horses should be vaccinated against Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Quick Facts:
- Mosquitoes can go from egg to adult in just 7 days
- 43 species of mosquitoes are found in Middlesex County
- Some mosquitoes bite during the day, others at night — protection is important 24/7
What’s Inside the Full Info Packet:
- Checklist: Spot and eliminate mosquito breeding sites
- Pet Protection: Learn how to keep your pets safe from mosquito-borne illnesses
- Mosquito Facts: Understand how mosquitoes live, breed, and spread disease
- Visual Guides: Diagrams showing the mosquito life cycle and high-risk water sources
Click here to view the full information packet
Let’s work together to protect our homes, families, and neighborhoods this summer.
Stop the bite. Start with your backyard.
This message is shared by the City of Perth Amboy in partnership with the Middlesex County Mosquito Extermination Commission.