Mosquito & Tick Prevention for Homeowners

Posted: August 1, 2019

Homeowners can help control mosquitoes by making sure they do not have containers around the home that hold water. Buckets, gutters, bird baths, toys, tarpaulins and anything else that can contain water should be emptied or removed from the yard. Do not dispose of leaves and grass clippings in ditches, streams or catch basins. Make sure your screens are in good repair, and consider moving inside during periods of high mosquito activity (early evening and early morning). If outside, use an EPA registered repellent.

Here are some basic ways to prevent tick bites:

Avoid wooded areas and dense shrubs where ticks love to hide.
Wear solid, light colored clothing in order to find ticks easily.
Mow your lawn and trim trees and shrubs.
Tuck your pants into your socks and wear a long sleeved shirt. This will help prevent a tick from attaching to your skin.
Use insect repellents on yourself and your pets. There are two types of repellents effective for ticks. Repellents containing DEET can only be used on clothing and exposed skin. The other type of repellent contains permetherin and should only be used on clothing. Always read and follow label directions carefully. Use an insect repellent with 10-30% DEET for protection against insect bites in children older than 2 years. Always follow directions for application carefully.
Check yourself frequently when you are in tick-infested areas. Check again after returning and again before going to bed. Especially check the scalp, ears, neck and under the arms and in the groin area.
Pull long hair back and tuck it into a cap.

The Morris County Division of Mosquito Control will have an informational display on how to protect yourself, your family and your pets from ticks and mosquitoes. The display will be available at the Randolph Township Free Public Library, 28 Calais Road. The tick information will be displayed the week of August 19 - 23 and the mosquito information will be displayed the week of August 26 - 30.