Sandy Causes Larger Mosquito Population

Thanks to all that Sandy debris, there's a warning from the state Health Department about a higher-than-normal mosquito population. 

Officials remind everyone to remove standing water from your property including bird baths and swimming pool covers.

"This season will be especially challenging because Superstorm Sandy has created new places for mosquitoes to breed such as wet debris piles and depressions left by fallen trees," Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd explained. "It's important to remove, clean or repair anything that can collect rain or sprinkler water - such as debris, clogged or damaged gutters or old car tires."

The Departments of Health and Environmental Protection Office of Mosquito Control notes that doing what you can around your property is important because many places that breed mosquitos are in hard-to-reach areas like marshes and coastal forests. "Look very carefully around your property for anything that could hold water in which mosquitos can lay eggs. If you are starting to rebuild, make sure standing water is not collecting on tarps or in any receptacles," said the Office's principal biologist.

Last year, six of the 48 people in New Jersey with West Nile, died from it.