The simple mosquito, while small in stature, has been man’s most persistent and deadly foe. Millions die from malaria, yellow fever, West Nile virus and other  mosquito-transferred pathogens every year. Why do mosquitoes bite? Unlike ticks and other insects that are exclusive blood feeders, mosquitoes rely  on sugar for energy, obtaining it from plant nectar and juices. Female mosquitoes bite because they need blood to extract all of the proteins  and nutrients to produce fertile eggs. Although non-egg producing male  mosquitoes don’t bite, the female mosquito population is more than enough to cause extensive  human pain and suffering.  

 Human malaria, the deadliest of all the diseases passed by infected mosquitoes,  kills more than 3 million people annually. Today, most malaria infections are  found in sub-Saharan Africa. Fortunately, incidents of malaria in New Jersey have been eliminated. This was no accident. Rather, we can thank our state’s vigorous response to mosquito control in the early 1900s.  

 Today’s mosquito control infrastructure within our state can be attributed to the  dedicated work of one man, James B. Smith. Smith, New Jersey’s second state entomologist, is considered the father of mosquito control. He  convinced the state legislature that mosquitoes needed to be dealt with at a  state level, demonstrating that one county could be infiltrated with mosquitoes  bred in a marsh or swamp of another county. As a result of Smith’s persistent lobbying, New Jersey established a coordinated effort for mosquito  control through county mosquito control commissions with oversight from the  Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. These so-called Smith laws, adopted in 1912, are still on the books today.  

 Smith died shortly before the bill was signed into law. Dr. T.J. Headlee implemented Smith’s vision with great determination and thereafter Dr. Bailey B. Pepper followed  Headlee’s considerable efforts. Because of the early leadership and foresight of these three dynamic  entomologists, New Jersey has enjoyed one of the most successful mosquito  control programs in the country for close to a century. Our seashore recreational industry owes its existence to these mosquito control  initiatives.  

 In addition to malaria, mosquitoes are also the source for yellow fever and  other viruses. Yellow fever has a mortality rate exceeding 50 percent. Some historians believe  that Napoleon’s sale of the Louisiana Territory was due in part to yellow fever killing 40,000  French troops. Encephalitis viruses transmitted by mosquitoes include Eastern Equine  Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus. The 1959 outbreak of EEE in New Jersey  resulted in 22 deaths. In response to this outbreak, the state legislature  funded the Headlee Research Laboratories at Rutgers which today houses the  Center for Vector Biology. The center is currently engaged in research aimed at suppressing the Asian Tiger  Mosquitoes in urban areas. The particular mosquito transmits Japanese B  encephalitis as well as Dengue Fever, also known as “Breakbone Fever,” because the virus causes extreme aching of joints, even in the immovable joints  between the plates in the skull.  

 In order to support the state and county agencies in their mosquito control  efforts, homeowners and businesses must ensure that their property is not a  breeding ground. Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance for the community; they represent a serious  health risk.  

 Generally, mosquitoes need water to complete their lifecycle and any kind of wet  area or standing water makes a good home. This can include water backups in gutters, water trapped in the top of planter  pots, birdbaths, discarded tires, cans, pool covers, and any other containers.  

 To reduce the mosquito population, step number one is identifying and removing  sources of standing water. If the water can’t be drained, a pest control professional can apply an approved larvicide to  wipe out the next generation. Also, backyard fishponds can be a major localized  producer of mosquitoes, but with proper construction and maintenance, their  presence can be prevented or controlled. Chemical control of adult mosquitoes  won’t rid your property of mosquitoes as long as there are larvae waiting to hatch  or the mosquitoes are coming in from elsewhere. However, a pest control  professional can apply a one-time treatment when a wedding, family reunion, or  some other outdoor activity is being planned and you don’t want mosquitoes spoiling the special occasion. Remember to seek out the  services of a qualified pest control professional in dealing with any animal or  insect problem or infestation.    

 Bill Cowley is the owner of Cowley's Termite & Pest Services in Neptune City, New Jersey. In addition to insect removal and  extermination, the company also offers bird, rodent, and other wildlife  removal.