New Jersey’s Advanced Mosquito Surveillance Network: Your First Line of Defense Against Disease in 2025
As summer temperatures rise across the Garden State, so does the activity of disease-carrying mosquitoes. But residents can rest easier knowing that New Jersey operates one of the most comprehensive mosquito surveillance networks in the country, involving coordinated efforts between the Public Health and Environmental Laboratories (PHEL), Communicable Disease Services (CDS), the NJ State Mosquito Control Commission, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and County Mosquito Control Agencies (CMCAs).
Real-Time Pathogen Monitoring Protecting Communities
New Jersey’s surveillance system represents a cutting-edge approach to public health protection. The molecular virology unit at PHEL provides surveillance testing of field-collected mosquito and tick samples for pathogens of public health importance in order to monitor prevalence of disease. This testing is an important tool for monitoring seasonal transmission of pathogens among vector populations and enables targeted vector control to prevent transmission of disease.
The network’s effectiveness is evident in its comprehensive monitoring capabilities. Throughout New Jersey routine surveillance is conducted to measure mosquito populations as well as to capture adult mosquitoes to be tested for the presence of viruses that can be transmitted to humans or livestock. When threats are detected, appropriate control actions are taken.
2025: A Year of Heightened Vigilance
The 2025 mosquito season has already proven challenging for New Jersey’s surveillance network. This year, the first detection of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes was in April, which is considerably earlier than expected. WNV has been detected in 776 mosquito pools, which is higher than this time last year, which was a very busy WNV season. WNV has been detected in all New Jersey counties.
The state has also faced other significant challenges. The New Jersey Departments of Health (NJDOH) and Environmental Protection (NJDEP) are investigating a case of malaria in a resident of Morris County with no international travel history. NJDOH is working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate potential sources of infection; it is possible the resident was infected with malaria in New Jersey. If confirmed, this would be the first known locally acquired case of malaria in New Jersey since 1998.
Advanced Technology and Data Integration
The surveillance network leverages modern technology to enhance monitoring capabilities. An interactive vector-borne disease dashboard and weekly reports on WNV-related activity are available on the Department’s website. The testing data generated from environmental surveillance is submitted to both state partners and national disease monitoring databases.
County-level programs also contribute significantly to the network’s effectiveness. Laboratory and surveillance programs monitor mosquito and virus activity by testing adult mosquitoes for the presence of many types of mosquito borne diseases. This surveillance and testing information helps guide all control efforts.
Why Professional Mosquito Control Matters
While the state surveillance network provides crucial early warning systems, property-level protection remains essential. Professional Mosquito Control NJ services complement the state’s efforts by providing targeted protection for individual properties and communities.
Companies like Prestige Pest Unit & House Wash, located at 7 Route 23 in Franklin, NJ, understand the local mosquito challenges facing New Jersey residents. As a part of the Sussex County community, Prestige Pest Unit & House Wash understands the local environment and the common issues homeowners face, from seasonal pests to property maintenance.
Their approach aligns with the state’s emphasis on environmental responsibility. They choose pest control products, including those for mosquito spraying, with your family and the environment in mind, selecting products and methods designed to be applied responsibly within your home environment. Since opening their doors, they’ve been committed to providing 100% green approach to pest control, with their mission being simple: to provide high-quality services in a timely manner.
Protecting Your Family: A Multi-Layered Approach
The most effective protection against mosquito-borne diseases combines state surveillance, professional control services, and personal prevention measures. To protect against mosquito-borne diseases, residents should wear EPA-registered insect repellent, treat clothing with permethrin, wear long sleeves and long pants, cover cribs and strollers with mosquito netting, mosquito-proof yards by dumping standing water, and use air conditioning with well-maintained screens.
Property owners should also focus on source reduction. Residents, business owners, and contractors can take steps to reduce mosquito populations on their properties by emptying or changing outdoor standing water at least weekly to stop mosquito breeding. Areas that may need attention include flowerpots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, clogged rain gutters, plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows.
Looking Ahead: Continued Innovation
As New Jersey’s mosquito surveillance network continues to evolve, residents can expect even more sophisticated monitoring and response capabilities. The integration of real-time data, advanced laboratory testing, and coordinated response efforts ensures that the Garden State remains at the forefront of vector-borne disease prevention.
For homeowners seeking additional protection beyond the state’s surveillance efforts, professional mosquito control services provide an essential complement to public health measures. By combining state-of-the-art surveillance with targeted property protection, New Jersey residents can enjoy their outdoor spaces while staying protected from disease-carrying mosquitoes.