Long Valley Officials Warn Of Incoming Insects: Here’s How To ‘Bite Back’

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Summer temperatures might mean beach days, picnics, and sun tanning for folks, but residents should always expect those seasonal uninvited guests — pests and insects.

Washington Township officials have issued a warning to residents regarding the rash of mosquitoes, ticks, and other creatures that inhabit the area in the summer months.

“Warmer weather brings more than sunshine—it also invites mosquitoes and ticks,” a township statement said. “These tiny pests can carry big risks, like Lyme disease and West Nile virus.”

According to the NJ Department of Health, mosquito-borne illnesses were “higher than average” throughout the state last year, with 14 reported cases of infected people.

In Morris County last year, a mosquito sample in Madison tested positive for West Nile virus. No humans were reported to have been infected, but officials warned residents to remain alert.

Below is a list of precautionary measures to avoid insect bites, provided by the Washington Township Health Office:

Defend with Repellent

• Use EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Apply to exposed skin and clothing (not under clothing or near eyes).
• Reapply after swimming or sweating.

• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants when in wooded or grassy areas.
• Tuck pants into socks or boots to keep ticks off your legs.
• Consider permethrin-treated clothing for added protection.

• Empty standing water (buckets, flowerpots, kiddie pools) to stop mosquito breeding.
• Stick to the center of trails when hiking to avoid tick-heavy brush.
• Keep lawns mowed and leaf piles cleared.

Health officials also recommend taking a shower within two hours of extended outdoor time.

If one is bitten by a tick, they should remove it with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping closely to the skin and pulling steadily, officials said.

For more information on insect prevention, visit the NJ Department of Health’s website.